The key physical characteristic that determines the service life of a railway wheel is the remaining tread thickness, specifically the distance from the flange (the inner rim of the wheel) to the tread surface (the part that contacts the rail). As a wheel rolls along the rail, the tread surface wears down due to friction and the impact of train loads. This wear reduces the wheel's diameter and alters its profile. The flange is also subject to wear from contact with the rail,....
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