Скачать или смотреть Why Train Tracks Bend in the Heat: Track Buckling🌡🚆

Track Buckling" aka "Sun Kink", is caused by thermal expansion, a natural property of materials that expand when heated.

As the air temperature rises, steel rails can heat up to 50°C (122°F) and much more. Since steel expands when it gets hot, and rails are often held rigidly in place, the built-up thermal stress has nowhere to go.

Instead of growing longer, the track buckles laterally usually at its weakest or most flexible point.

📐 Thermal expansion (ΔL) is described by:

ΔL = α × L × ΔT

α – thermal expansion coefficient for steel
L – original rail length
ΔT – temperature rise

Even a small temperature increase over a long distance creates substantial internal forces.

When compressive stress exceeds what the track can withstand, the rail suddenly bends, creating the dangerous wave-like kinks seen in extreme heat.

⚠️ Track buckling can derail trains.

That’s why rail networks:

▪︎ Use expansion joints or breather switches
▪︎ Apply long welded rail with pre-set tension
▪︎ Monitor and restrict train speeds during heatwaves
▪︎ Install track-side thermometers and automated warning systems

In places like the southern U.S., Australia, Africa or India, rail heat safety protocols are standard. Sun kinks are rare, but when they happen, they’re no joke and very expensive to fix.
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[Sources]
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(✍️ Description)
1. Network Rail (2022). Thermal Expansion and Rail Buckling.
2. Beer, F.P. & Johnston, E.R. (2015). Mechanics of Materials.
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