Train Derailment Mystery Solved: The Science Behind Staying on Track

• Trains stay on tracks due to complex engineering involving conical wheels, flanges, and rail design, preventing derailment even at high speeds or turns.
• Conical wheels allow the outer wheel to cover more distance on turns by running on a larger diameter, while the inner wheel uses a smaller diameter.
• The 'flange' on the inner side of the wheel acts as a safety lock, preventing the wheel from slipping off the track.
• Rail design incorporates 'Cant' or super-elevation, where the outer rail on a curve is higher, balancing centrifugal force.
• Ballast (stones under tracks) absorbs vibrations and pressure, keeping rails stable and reducing derailment risk.

Why It Matters: Conical wheels, flanges, and rail cant are crucial engineering marvels preventing train derailments.