Corrosion rate and mechanisms of a rail head surface under artificial rainwater conditions

Abstract The aim of this work is to study the effect of rainwater on the formation of cracks by corrosion process. Inclusions and metallographic analyses, linear polarization resistance, and potentiodynamic anodic polarization tests were carried out. The results present a ferritic network on the external surfaces of the rail head and a large area occupied by inclusions. Linear polarization measurements did not show a reduction in corrosion rate after the corrosion products formation. In conclusion, corrosion by rainwater can develop cracks all over the rail head.