Abstract
This study presents the rail wheel contact problems under normal and tangential categories. Both analytical and numerical approaches were used for modelling, where the analytical approach assumed elliptical contact patches based on the Hertz theory. In the numerical approach, 3D finite element models were used to investigate non-elliptical contact patches. The only elastic material model was considered in the case of Hertz theory. However, in the case of finite element analysis, both elastic and elastoplastic material models were used to simulate the material's behavior under the applied load. The elastoplastic material model was used to determine the amount of stress at which the plastic deformation starts, which enables determining the rail wheel's critical load. The commercial software ABAQUS was employed for 3D modeling and contact stress analysis. The study shows maximum stress at 3 mm from the rail wheel contact surface when the maximum load of 85 kN is applied. This initiates the cracks in the subsurface and causes the portion of the rail wheel to break off in the form of spalling after a certain time.
Highlights
In comparison to other modes of transportation, railway transport is well recognized for its low cost, efficiency, environmental friendliness, and high speed [1]
Failure mechanisms such as wear, plastic deformation, and rolling contact fatigue significantly reduce the life of the rail wheel. Among these failure mechanisms, rolling contact fatigue plays a predominant role. This is the result of repeated contact stresses and creep forces acting on the contact area of the rail wheel
The results show that the maximum normal contact pressure (P0) increases with the increasing wheel load, L in the case of both elastic and elastoplastic FE model and Hertzian theory
Summary
In comparison to other modes of transportation, railway transport is well recognized for its low cost, efficiency, environmental friendliness, and high speed [1] As a result, it has played a vital role in solving transport problems and integrating cities and countries for decades. Despite its decades-long history and advancements in rail and train safety, catastrophic disasters still occur frequently due to rail wheel failures. Failure mechanisms such as wear, plastic deformation, and rolling contact fatigue significantly reduce the life of the rail wheel. Among these failure mechanisms, rolling contact fatigue plays a predominant role This is the result of repeated contact stresses and creep forces acting on the contact area of the rail wheel. If the wear rate is excessive, the surface crack may not grow beneath the surface of the rail wheel because the wear dominates the crack
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