Urbana Campus Research Calendar (OVCRI)

The Principles of Wheel/Rail Interaction course has been revitalized and reimagined with a tighter focus on the practical aspects of wheel/rail and vehicle/track interaction for 2026. The course will begin with a case study — an examination of an actual wheel/rail interaction-related derailment. Presenters will cover the fundamental aspects of track, vehicle suspension systems, damage mechanisms, measurements systems — all the topics we have traditionally covered — but will also connect the dots between theory and what actually happens in the field. A wrap-up session will review the causes attributed to the case study derailment in light of the Principles examined throughout the course. We’ll also look at approaches that can be taken to mitigate wheel/rail- and vehicle/track-related derailments in the future.

Wheel Rail Seminars is proud to announce that the FRA-funded National University Rail Center for Excellence (NURail CoE) is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Principles of Wheel/Rail Interaction Course. You can find more information on the NURail CoE's mission to develop solutions that will lead to a safer, more efficient, sustainable, equitable, and reliable rail transportation system in the United States by clicking here.