Wheel tread profile evolution for combined block braking and wheel-rail contact: Results from dynamometer experiments

The results showed that the maximum tread indentation was 0.20 mm at the rolling contact center when the stop braking action was repeated 40 times. This was caused by the plastic deformation of the wheel tread, which, in turn, was the result of high contact pressure and material softening from high temperatures caused by tread braking. The results were supported by the observed tread protrusions near the rolling contact area and also by the difference in the rolling contact area hardness and that of the other wheel tread areas.