On the accuracy of the pressure measurement film in Hertzian contact situations similar to wheel-rail contact applications

• Measurement of Hertzian contact with Prescale films MS, HS, HHS.
• Finite element simulation of contact situation with film.
• Prescale overestimate the contact area.
• Systematic error in measurement due to continuum mechanics and geometric effects.

Experimental investigations and finite element simulations on the measuring error of Prescale pressure measurement films of the mono-sheet type ‘S’ were done with perfect Hertzian contact bodies in contact situations similar to the wheel-rail contact. The sources of the systematic error were identified and quantified.