Finite element analysis of the dynamic wheel-rail response induced by wheel polygonization

Abstract

A finite element analysis of the dynamic wheel-rail response generated by the polygonization of the wheel tread was conducted based on a three-dimensional wheel-rail rolling contact model using LS-DYNA explicit code, where the sub rail foundation and the stiffness and damping of sleeper support were also considered in the finite element model. Typical dynamic vertical wheel-rail contact force and the related stress and strain states were obtained. Influences of non-periodic and periodic wheel polygonizations on the dynamic wheel-rail response are compared, and the influence of train speed was also examined. The results indicate that the dynamic wheel-rail contact force induced by wheel polygonization is sensitive to the wheel radial deviation and train speed; and the large wheel-rail contact force induced by the polygonal wheel will lead to the large von-Mises equivalent stress and plastic strain in the wheel-rail contact zone. These findings are very helpful to guide the maintenance and repair of wheel-rail components in rail transportation.