Research on wheel-rail dynamic interaction of high-speed railway under low adhesion condition

Abstract

Due to the inherent openness of the wheel-rail system, the wheel-rail interface is subject to the influence of a third medium, resulting in a low adhesion state. This study investigates the dynamic interaction between the wheel and rail under low adhesion conditions through the development of a numerical model employing anti-skid control strategies and infinite long track simulation technology. The model's validity is established by comparing its calculations with data from both the multi-body dynamics software UM and field tests. The numerical simulations uncover that the implementation of rail side lubrication significantly reduces longitudinal creep forces, thereby diminishing the wheelset's steering capabilities. Furthermore, it induces a notable increase in lateral wheel-rail interaction, consequently lowering safety indicators in vehicle operations. Rail side lubrication is found to substantially reduce rail side wear, resulting in an approximate 60% decrease in the maximum wear depth. Comprehensive friction control on the rail surface concurrently mitigates rail side and top surface wear. In instances of local low adhesion on both sides, the wheelset experiences pronounced stick-slip vibrations, leading to a deterioration in the longitudinal dynamic performance between the wheel and rail. Unilateral low adhesion situations prompt noticeable yawing and shaking motions within the low adhesion zone, resulting in evident lateral impact phenomena. Upon re-entering the normal adhesion zone from the low adhesion zone, the rail wear index experiences a significant peak, which means that the rails in this area are prone to severe local wear or fatigue.