Slippery rail, or low railhead adhesion,[1][2][3] is a condition of railways (railroads) where contamination of the railhead reduces the traction between the wheel and the rail. This can lead to wheelslip when the train is taking power, and wheelslide when the train is braking. One common cause of contamination is fallen leaves that adhere to the railhead (top surface) of railway tracks. The condition results in significant reduction in friction between train wheels and rails, and in extreme cases can render the track temporarily unusable. In Britain, the situation is colloquially referred to as "leaves on the line".
- ^ "Low Adhesion Mockery Sticks Despite the Facts". Rail.co.uk. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
- ^ Lewis, S.R.; Lewis, R.; Richards, P.; Buckley-Johnstone, L.E. (2014). "Investigation of the isolation and frictional properties of hydrophobic products on the rail head, when used to combat low adhesion". Wear. 314 (1–2): 213–219. doi:10.1016/j.wear.2013.11.024. ISSN 0043-1648.
- ^ Desmond F. Moore (October 22, 2013). Principles and Applications of Tribology: Pergamon International Library of Science, Technology, Engineering and Social Studies: International Series in Materials Science and Technology. Elsevier Science. p. 311. ISBN 978-1-4831-5728-3.