Thermal imaging of the disc brake and drive train in an electric locomotive in field conditions.

The article presents the results of thermovision tests of the disc brake and the drive system components located in its vicinity on the 111Ed electric locomotive in field conditions. For this locomotive, tests were carried out on a test track to measure the temperature of the disc and the temperature of other devices that were installed close to the brake disc. These tests were performed pointwise, i.e. before and after the test, and continuously throughout the braking process. The article presents the methodology of thermal imaging research and the preparation of the camera for outdoor research with objects with different emissivity. Due to the rotating brake disc, it was decided to measure using an IR camera because measurements using thermocouples were very difficult and complex. In exceptional situations, temperature measurement using thermocouples is used, but it requires an extensive additional measurement system and signal recording, which is more expensive. Correct configuration of the IR camera to real conditions is extremely important because it directly translates into the increase in measurement error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]