Asperity-based model for prediction of traction in water-contaminated wheel-rail contact

The wheel-rail contact is subjected to various environmental contaminations, while one of the most common is water. A numerical model has been used to evaluate friction in water-contaminated contact. The Greenwood and Tripp theory is used to calculate the load carried by asperities and liquid film. This model uses Kalker?s simplified theory with an implemented third body layer to determine the frictional values of asperity contact and elasto-hydrodynamic theory for friction generated by liquid. The results are compared with experiments on two types of surface roughness. The results show the difference between elastic and plastic asperity deformation model, where the plastic model predicts more accurate transition in mixed lubrication regime. The plastic deformation model was used to predict traction curves.

Automated summary

A numerical model is used to evaluate friction in water-contaminated wheel-rail contact, with the plastic deformation model predicting more accurate transition in mixed lubrication regime.