Wheel–rail wear simulation

Abstract

This paper declares the method for the computation of the wheel–rail surface degradation in a curve where the major surface degradation phenomenon is a combination of wear and plastic deformation. Simulating the form change of the wheel–rail contacts help to identify the risk of severe or catastrophic wear resulting from increased train speeds and axle loads and can help in determining more efficient maintenance schedules for track and rolling stock. The method was previously used to simulate the form change in a two-roller contact. The progress is made in the terms of general geometry modelling, which makes differences in the various contact configurations. The normal contact problem is analysed using the modified Winkler method and calibrated using the results from FEM modelling of the wheel–rail contact with elastic–plastic material model. A piecewise approach and stick-slip analysis of the rolling–sliding contact solves the tangential problem. A linear wear law is used in the wear computation. The form change for a typical two-point contact in a low radius curve was analysed and discussed.