Controlling the Tribological State of Contact Surfaces between Rolling Stock Wheels and Rails

Abstract

Based on the analysis of Russian and foreign works on the theory of the rolling stock and track interaction and studies in the field of reducing wheel and rail wear, rational friction coefficients on contact surfaces between rolling stock wheels and rails to lubricate rails depending on the conditions of applying rolling stock traction and brake have been defined. The computer simulation of nonlinear 3D vibration of rolling stock and track interaction has been used as a method of the study, which allows to take into account various tribological states of contact surfaces between rolling stock wheels and rails. The effect of reducing the rolling stock lateral impact on the track by reducing the friction coefficient between the rolling stock wheels and the low rail running surface and the high rail head lateral surface in curves of a railway track is proved. On the basis of the computer simulation the results are obtained that make it possible to formulate technical solutions in the field of the friction control at the wheel and rail contact, providing the reduction of energy costs for trains traction, operating costs to replace rails and to turn rolling stock wheelsets.