Rolling contact fatigue and wear of two different rail steels under rolling–sliding contact

Abstract

Rolling contact fatigue and wear of rails are well-known problems. However, progress is not easy to predict because these problems interact with each other. Therefore, to reduce damage, the interactions between these two mechanisms must be clarified. In this study, the contact fatigue and wear of UIC 60 and KS 60 rail materials were investigated by twin-disc testing with various parameters. We found that ductility and fracture toughness are important factors on wear and contact fatigue. UIC 60 rail steel with higher ductility and fracture toughness than KS 60 rail steel has a higher resistance to contact fatigue but a lower resistance to wear.