Rail corrugation is a complex problem that railway enterprises all over the world are eager
to solve. In this paper, researches on rail corrugation in recent years are reviewed, and the status
quo in this research field is investigated. In the mean time, current perspectives about the
classification, causes and prophylactic measures of rail corrugation are summarized with the emphasis
of discussion being focused on the formation mechanism and prophylactic measures. It is reckoned
that self-excited vibration, reactive vibration and contact fatigue contribute to the formation and
grow of rail corrugation.