Elastic-plastic analysis of a wheel rolling on a rigid track

Abstract

A consistent finite element model for a circular wheel is developed based on triangular and quasi-triangular domains and a piecewise linear displacement field. The minimum stress-rate principle of plasticity is used to obtain the solution of this two-dimensional continuum problem with internal unloading. A piecewise approximation of the Tresca yield condition is used. Elastic-plastic solutions of a wheel rolling on a rigid track under its own weight and a hub load are obtained for the first few revolutions until a steady state condition is reached. Shake-down conditions for the wheel are demonstrated.