An improved steel railroad rail, and methods for producing same, having a
carbon content in a range from 0.7 to 0.95 wt % and titanium in the range
of 0.005 to 0.105 wt % is provided that has increased wear resistance and
increased fracture toughness over conventional steel rail. The rail is
characterized as having a pearlitic phase of an eutectoid nature. The
average ultimate tensile strength is in a range from 178,000 to 207,000
psi, with a minimum of 174,000 psi. The average yield strength is in a
range from 122,000 to 141,000 psi, with the minimum of 120,000 psi. The
average percent elongation is in a range from 10.3 to 12.5, with a
minimum of 10.00. The Brinell hardness on the surface at any position of
the head top and upper gage corners of the rail is in a range from 370 to
420 BHN. The hardness 19 mm below the top surface is in a range from 360
to 405 BHN and 19 mm below the surface at the upper gage corners is in a
range from 360 to 410 BHN. The characteristics of the steel rail produced
in accordance with the present invention is a substantial improvement as
compared with rail used today. The production of a fully pearlitic steel
rail having a carbon content from 0.7 to 0.95 wt % and titanium in the
range of 0.005 to 0.105 wt % Ti is remarkable and unexpected. A steel
rail of this type having a hardness in a range from 370 to 420 BHN and a
combination of yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation and
surface and in-depth Brinell hardness goes beyond all expectations and
results in a superior and commercially important steel rail.