The current methods in use for the assessment of overheated wheels have not been found to provide a completely reliable indication of the extent of damage, thereby allowing "at-risk" wheels to be returned to service. Removal of all overheated wheels from service is not justified as many wheels will continue to provide safe service until worn out. Similarly, removal of wheels containing surface cracks may not be warranted if such wheels do not contain tensile residual stress levels, and hence present an increased failure risk. Improved methods for the detection and sizing of surface cracks, in combination with quantification of the residual stress distribution by non-destructive means, can be used to reduce the risk of failures in overheated wheels.
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