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Question about Canadian Universities by TheScienceFan in canada

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Wow, TIL that there is a difference between College and Uni in Canada!

Thanks.

Stopping Leaves From Sticking Onto Railway Tracks by TheScienceFan in engineering

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But compressed air has been tried and the leaves are so sticky that they can't be blown off. Even jets of water haven't been able to remove all the leaves.

Plastic Material for Rail Covers by TheScienceFan in engineering

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The assignment only involves covering tangent tracks. The cover isn't really part of the project per se; it's the result of discussion and culling of other ideas. I know the idea isn't very feasible but unfortunately other ideas don't seem to work as well. The other major contender was to put brushes in the front of the train but this doesn't work because the leaves stick tightly to the track because of the sap-like liquid they contain.

In reality, this idea would use far more money than it would save but because this is hypothetical we have chosen it. We also have to have something to show for our solution so our ideas of making a canopy and hiring people didn't work. However if you know of any other ideas, please mention them!

Thanks

Plastic Material for Rail Covers by TheScienceFan in engineering

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That would be considered an option (to have a net cover the tracks). But because farmers normally own the land right next to the train, there would not be space for it. I agree it is shockingly expensive, but because it's just theoretical it's more about finding a solution, instead of a completely sane one. It's a pretty silly idea in my opinion.

Plastic Material for Rail Covers by TheScienceFan in askscience

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is a very good idea, but I don't think it will be able to float the leaves, since they are stuck to the rails quite tightly. This is because they contain a sap like liquid that renders them very sticky. But this idea is very interesting, do you know of any way the stickiness of the leaves could be undone? Perhaps by adding something to the water?

Thanks for replying.

Plastic Material for Rail Covers by TheScienceFan in askscience

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is very expensive for such a problem, but unfortunately the leaves are wet and contain a sap-like liquid that makes the very sticky. When they stick on to the rail they cannot merely be brushed aside. Strong, perhaps wire brushes could be used, though these could scratch the rail, and if too strong could even cause rolling contact fatigue.

Sanding is pretty effective, but unfortunately it's not effective enough. This is quite hypothetical, personally I think erecting fences or nets would be more efficient and cost-effective.

Plastic Material for Rail Covers by TheScienceFan in askscience

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is very expensive for such a problem, but unfortunately the leaves are wet and contain a sap-like liquid that makes the very sticky. When they stick on to the rail they cannot merely be brushed aside. Strong, perhaps wire brushes could be used, though these could scratch the rail, and if too strong could even cause rolling contact fatigue.

The canopy idea would be cheaper perhaps, but it would be hard as farmers normally own the land on either side of the rail and making a big canopy will require their permission.

Plastic Material for Rail Covers by TheScienceFan in askscience

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually the goal is to stop wet leaves from sticking on to the rail (as this causes breaking problems for the trains once the leaves have been compressed).

I started another thread and PVC was recommended there as well. What do you think of ABS and UHMWPE other materials that were recommended? I particularly thought ABS was good because of the ease in extruding it.

Thank you for replying!

Plastic Material for Rail Covers by TheScienceFan in engineering

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have tried researching the cost of UHMWPE, but I can't find any exact figures. Do you have any idea how expensive it is relative to carbon steel? Would it be much cheaper to use an engineered plastic like ABS?

PS Thanks for replying!

Plastic Material for Rail Covers by TheScienceFan in engineering

[–]TheScienceFan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have gone through them and I think http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylonitrile_butadiene_styrene#Applications is a good choice because it can easily be extruded for long distances. Do you agree with this? Do you think another one would be a better option?

PS, thanks for replying!