Prediction model for wheel profile wear and rolling contact fatigue

A lifetime prediction tool for railway wheels and rails should be able to predict both wear and rolling contact fatigue (RCF), which are the two main deterioration phenomena. Several models exist to predict wear or RCF, but not many models exist which can predict both. In this study, two of these RCF prediction models have been extended. The performance of these models has been studied through a parametric study where multi-body simulations (MBS) provided the input to the models. The influences of several parameters which can have an effect on the wheel/rail life have been studied in order to find the behaviour of the different models. These parameters are: curve radius, worn wheel and rail profiles, coefficient of friction, primary stiffness, track irregularities, and cant deficiency. This paper describes the differences between the two models and shows that the adjustments of the models have a significant influence on RCF prediction.

Research highlights▶ In contrast to wear, fatigue can initiate in both the slip area and the adhesion area of the contact. ▶ The fatigue prediction increases when calculating it locally instead of globally. ▶ Spin creepage has influence on the fatigue prediction for the outer wheel/rail. ▶ The DI-model might overestimate the fatigue probability due to the direct influence of creepage.