Why does China use iron instead of stainless steel for its railway tracks?

Why does China use iron instead of stainless steel for its railway tracks?China's railway construction, from the birth of the Shanghai Public Tramway in 1861 to the nationwide railway network today, has spanned over a century, witnessing technological advancements and the changing times. Throughout this long development process, the materials used for railway tracks have evolved from cast iron to steel and then to high manganese steel

Why does China use iron instead of stainless steel for its railway tracks?

China's railway construction, from the birth of the Shanghai Public Tramway in 1861 to the nationwide railway network today, has spanned over a century, witnessing technological advancements and the changing times. Throughout this long development process, the materials used for railway tracks have evolved from cast iron to steel and then to high manganese steel. So, why do China's railways, especially high-speed railways, widely adopt high manganese steel instead of seemingly more corrosion-resistant stainless steel?

The evolution of railway track materials: from cast iron to high manganese steel

Early tramways used cast iron for track materials, but as technology progressed, people discovered that cast iron's hardness was insufficient to withstand the pressure and impact of train operation. Therefore, steel gradually replaced cast iron as the preferred material for railway tracks. In 1880, British engineer Wilkins first used high-carbon steel to manufacture rails, marking a new stage in the development of railway track materials.

With the continuous increase in train speeds and transport capacity, the performance requirements for track materials have become increasingly stringent. To improve track service life and reduce wear, people began exploring more durable materials. High manganese steel, due to its high hardness, excellent wear resistance, good impact resistance, and other advantages, gradually became the "darling" of railway track materials.

Comparing high manganese steel and stainless steel: considerations of hardness, corrosion resistance, and cost

The hardness of high manganese steel is 1.6 to 1.7 times that of carbon steel and 1.5 to 1.8 times that of manganese content, with excellent wear resistance and ductility. This enables it to withstand the tremendous pressure and impact of train operation, effectively reducing track wear and extending service life.

In contrast, although stainless steel boasts excellent corrosion resistance, it is inferior to high manganese steel in terms of hardness, wear resistance, and resistance to bending deformation. Stainless steel also has lower tensile strength than high manganese steel, making it more prone to deformation or fracture under the enormous pressure and impact of train operation.

Furthermore, the production cost of high manganese steel is relatively lower, while stainless steel production costs are higher. Given China's massive railway construction scale, choosing high manganese steel effectively lowers construction costs and improves economic efficiency.

Application scenarios of high manganese steel: adapting to climate and extending service life

In railway construction, choosing track materials requires a comprehensive consideration of climate conditions, operating environment, and cost factors. In high-altitude or humid regions, due to low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and high humidity, metal corrosion is more likely to occur, making high manganese steel tracks more suitable to ensure their corrosion resistance and service life.

Most of China lies within the temperate monsoon climate zone, with relatively humid environments. High manganese steel tracks can adapt to these climatic conditions and effectively extend their service life. For drier regions, ordinary carbon steel tracks can also meet the needs.

Conclusion: High manganese steel is the best choice for railway track materials

In conclusion, high manganese steel, with its high hardness, excellent wear resistance, good impact resistance, lower cost, and adaptability, has become the preferred choice for railway track materials in China. Although stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, it is inferior to high manganese steel in terms of hardness, wear resistance, and resistance to bending deformation, and its production cost is higher, making it unsuitable for railway track materials.

Railway construction needs to focus on maintenance

While high manganese steel boasts excellent performance, railway construction also needs to focus on track maintenance. Regular track inspections and timely repairs of damage can effectively extend track service life and ensure safe railway operation.

The choice of high manganese steel reflects a comprehensive consideration of railway safety and service life, embodying the wisdom of China's railway builders. It not only effectively reduces construction costs but also improves railway safety. In the future, with technological advancements, there may be new breakthroughs in railway track materials, but high manganese steel, as a mature and reliable material, will continue to play a crucial role in China's railway construction.

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