Locomotive wheel wear simulation in complex environment of wheel-rail interface

Abstract

Affected by the traction/braking, creep control and wheel-rail interface environment, wheel wear of locomotives is more complicated than that of other rolling stock. A locomotive wheel wear simulation model is developed, which includes a 3D locomotive track coupling dynamics model, a rolling contact model for rail traction vehicles based on Kalker's simplified theory, a PI-based creep control model and a wheel material wear model based on frictional power. The advantages of the dynamics model built in this paper are evaluated through two typical simulation cases. The effects of traction/braking and creep control on wheel wear are comprehensively investigated. The results indicate that the natural vibration characteristics of the locomotive/track system can be well reflected, and their influence on wheel wear can be taken into account. Traction and braking have a great influence on wheel wear, which should be considered for locomotive wheel wear simulation. It is a better way to control creep by using a control mode with variable creep threshold value.