The M2i research project Fundamental study of contact fatigue strength of rail after grinding has resulted in a thesis entitled Damage behavior of ground pearlitic railway steel. Researcher Bart Schotsman and promotors Em Prof.Dr.Ir. Jilt Sietsma, Prof.Dr. Maria Santofimia Navarro and Prof.Dr.Ir. Roumen Petrov of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, TU Delft), organize a symposium to mark the completion of the project.
When? 19 November 2025, 09:30-14:00 o’clock
Symposium: Railway rails and rail maintenance, now and in the future
Where? Industrial Design Engineering Hall O – Hans Dirken,
34.D-1-810 of Delft University of Technology
On the theme of Railway rails and rail maintenance, now and in the future, researchers from various fields will give presentations related to the topic:
- Maria Santofimia Navarro, professor Materials Science and Engineering, Delft University of Technology, symposium chair
- Davide Leonetti, assistant professor in Steel Structures and Structural Health Monitoring at Eindhoven University of Technology, symposium vice chair
- Matthijn de Rooij, professor Surface Technology and Tribology at the University of Twente
- David Fletcher, professor of Railway Engineering at the University of Sheffield
- Zili Li, professor on Rail Systems and Monitoring at Delft University of Technology
- Jilt Sietsma, professor Materials Science and Engineering, Delft University of Technology
- Bart Schotsman, senior track specialist, ProRail
The presentations will provide an overview of current and past research on the microstructure of rail steels, rolling contact fatigue, surface roughness and roughness reduction, and rail grinding.
The symposium is interesting for researchers and students on Railway Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, who are also encouraged to share their questions and research with presenters. In addition, the information shared is accessible and applicable by anyone professionally involved in rail maintenance.
We look forward to a symposium that inspires to improve maintenance strategies and motivates ongoing research.
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.