Laser scatterometry for detection of squat defects in railway rails

The paper concerns a defectoscopy of squats occurring on the surface of the rail head. Disadvantages of traditional methods being used in detection of such defects were also presented. Authors proposed a new method based on simplified laser scatterometry to detect these defects. Physical model of the laser beam scattering by edges of such defects and simulation results were given. An experimental set-up for practical testing of this method was designed and constructed. This system enabled measurements of squat defects occurring in the section of the rail extracted from the track. The analysis of obtained results was performed. Authors also indicated directions of further research and development.