Multiscale analysis of wheel-rail rolling contact wear and damage mechanisms using molecular dynamics and explicit finite elements

As traffic density and axle loads increase, the macroscopic wheel-rail contact can lead to severe rail wear. This paper constructs a multi-scale analysis framework from macroscopic force characteristics to microscopic wear mechanisms based on explicit finite element methods and molecular dynamics models. The study shows that the mutual proximity and annihilation of reverse dislocations in the rail material under the action of wheel-rail forces is an important cause of grain boundary fragmentation, while the proliferation of dislocations on the Subsurface leads to work hardening of the rail. The analytical framework proposed in this paper achieves multiscale correlation between wheel-rail macroscopic contact and material microscopic response, and the conclusions obtained reveal the microscopic wear mechanism of rail materials.

Automated summary

As traffic density and axle loads increase, there can be severe rail wear due to macroscopic wheel-rail contact. This paper presents a multi-scale analysis framework using explicit finite element methods and molecular dynamics models to understand the microscopic wear mechanisms. The research shows that the proximity and annihilation of reverse dislocations in the rail material under wheel-rail forces cause grain boundary fragmentation, while the proliferation of dislocations on the Subsurface leads to work hardening of the rail. The proposed analytical framework establishes a correlation between macroscopic wheel-rail contact and material microscopic response, revealing the microscopic wear mechanism of rail materials.