The role of stray currents in the evolution of damage in transport systems

The aim of the present work is the influence of stray currents on transport systems, especially rail and city systems. Therefore, a study was conducted that simulated flow of stray currents on elements of the transportation system. Steel DOMEX, which has enhanced resistance to corrosion, was used as research material. It is rarely understood that transport systems can have reciprocal negative effects on each other. For example, the urban and long-distance rail transport systems influence the transmission systems (gas pipelines, information systems). A side effect of the functioning of railways is the formation of stray currents, which cause electrochemical corrosion in all undergrounded metal components. It has been demonstrated that the impact of stray currents on the metal parts is of corrosive nature, and their effects can be presented graphically and numerically. It has also been proven that the anodic potential causes a greater loss than the cathodic potential. Furthermore, the exposure to the elements, both in the process of corrosion and erosion, accelerates the destruction of the material.