Problems with wheel and rail profiles selection and optimization

Serious problems with wheel and rail profile design arise particularly when combined freight and passenger traffic exists on the line or this task should be solved on a big railway network scale. Profile selection policies and real practices are described. An example of practical approach to profile evaluation is given. A scientific approach to profiles evolution and optimization is described and some results are presented. Some aspects of profile management and control are presented. An approach to profiles evaluation and optimization based on combined scientific and practical methods is described.