Modelling rail wear transition and mechanism due to frictional heating

► We model the rail wear transition and mechanism due to frictional heating. ► We examine the effect of thermal stress and thermal softening on the transition by varying some operating conditions: peak pressure, friction coefficient, slip/roll ratio and vehicle speed. ► The temperature required for the transition to occur is at least of 350 °C. ► The peak pressure, friction coefficient, and slip/roll ratio have more influence on the transition rather than the vehicle speed.