The wheels of trains are shaped conically, sloping at an angle of 1 in 20 to match the conical slope of the rails. This coning prevents lateral movement between the wheels and rails that could cause uneven load distribution. On straight tracks, coning ensures the wheels roll along the center of the rails without touching the flanges. On curved tracks, the increased diameter on the outer wheels and decreased diameter on inner wheels compensates for the greater distance the outer wheels must travel due to centrifugal force. Coning reduces lateral movement and contact between flanges and rails to allow for smooth train movement.

1. CONING OF WHEELS
By :
Swapnil Mangaonkar

2. Definition :-
The surface of wheels are made in cone shaped at an
inclination of 1 in 20 , and the same slope is provided in
the rails.
20
1

3. Concept :-
If the tread of the wheels are flat then there will be movement
between wheel & rails due to which vehicle not be maintained
in central position due to which there will be unequal
distribution of load. To avoid that coning of wheels should be
done.

4. How it works :-
Straight track :-
For smooth riding track should not touches the flange
for that track should touch centre of the wheel and this insure
by coning of wheels.

5. Curved track :-
For outer wheels have to cover greater distance than inner wheel
due to centrifugal force, due to coning of wheels diameter of wheels
increases over outer rail and decreases over in inner rail.

7. Need:-
• To reduce lateral movement of the axle
• To reduce the contact between flange and inner side of
the rail.
• Smooth flow of the train on tracks is made possible
because of coning of wheels

8. Disadvantages :-
 Due to centrifugal force , the horizontal components tends
to turn out and rail has widening tendency
 If no base plate is used under void sleeper under the age of
the rails are damaged.
 Pressure on outer rail is more than inner rail this result in
wear of outer rail
 This disadvantages can be prevent by tilting of the rails.