Investigation of Traction Motor Failure Modes and Monitoring Methods

The prevailing approach to train maintenance is to service trains on a time or mileage basis. While the basis for such activities is based on empirical failure data it does not take into account if parts or components actually need replacing and it does not prevent component failure in service should that occur between scheduled maintenance points.The principles of Condition Based Maintenance have already been successfully established in several industries where parameters like vibration, current, voltage, pressure and temperature are used to determine if a component is increasingly likely to fail. The purpose of this investigation is to conduct detailed research into the actual failures that are occurring in a fleet operated by two typical locomotive operators and identify what the most significant causes of failures are. Time will be spent within motor overhaul facility to assess the condition of motors that have been removed for routine maintenance and determine if these are potentially being overhauled too early and if monitoring of the motor system could allow motor overhaul periods to be extended and while capturing issues that could result in failure.