The device implementing polarization-timing method based on the measurement of propagation time difference
between two shear waves with the mutually perpendicular polarization planes is designed. The developed device
uses electro-magnetic-acoustic method of wave generation and receiving.
Such approach provides technique that meets the requirements of the European and the Russian standards for the
testing of residual stresses in rolled wheel rims. The device determines the level of compressive stresses on the
the rolling wheels surface and crossing depth in tensile stresses.
The technique of the interference evaluation for the treads of locomotive wheels using the results of the residual
stresses estimation is proposed.
It is shown that in thermally hardened wheel tread before fit compressive stresses are observed near the roll
surface, while tensile stresses are in the central area. Tensile residual stresses are appearing near the rolling
surface and grow to the center of fit position after mounting the tread on the wheel center.