The rolling contact research of three dimensional wheel-rail based on finite element analysis

Abstract

In this paper, wheel-rail contact model was established and analyzed, some useful results were obtained. The results show that In the early stage of wheel-rail contact, the wheel-rail contact pressure increases gradually and the contact point shape changes from regular polygon to irregular polygon in the process of wheel approaching rail joint. The equivalent stress and elastic deformation trend of the rail are basically the same, both of which decrease rapidly and then slowly increase. The plastic deformation of the rail gradually increases and accumulates, and the stress concentration area occurs at the side of the rail joint. When the wheel starts rolling, the equivalent stress of the wheel gradually decreases at first, and then increase. The peak value of the maximum equivalent stress occurs at the joint where the wheel reaches the rail.