The long-term operation of rails has been studied with focus on (1) the formation and behavior of structural-phase states and nanoscale structures, (2) the modelling of the processes occurring in the surface layers of rails under severe plastic deformation and (3) the methods and techniques for assessing the structural and phase states of rails, internal stresses, and their evolution during the life cycle. The book references 264 original resources and includes their direct web link for in-depth reading. Keywords: Long Rails, Long-term Operation, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Steel, Differentiated Hardening, Structural Phase States, Nanoscale Structures, Wear, Deformation Effects, Recrystallization, Segregation, Homogenization, Relaxation, Phase Transitions, Phase Decomposition, Amorphization, Sintering, Filling of Micro- and Nanopores, Nanocapillaries, Severe Plastic Deformation, Megaplastic Deformation.

Examines interagency coordination between DOD and NASA regarding planning and budgeting of Federal research and development programs.