Effects of variable pass speed on wear-type corrugation growth

A feedback model for wear-type rail corrugation has been modified to account for vehicle speed variations over successive passages, so that the effect on corrugation amplitude growth can be investigated. The feedback model encapsulates the most critical interactions occurring between the wheel/rail structural dynamics, rolling contact mechanics and rail wear. Using this model, numerical and analytical investigations are performed to quantitatively identify the effect of deliberately changing the speed of successive vehicle passages in a statistically controlled manner. The effect of different initial track profiles on the results is also investigated. The results provide insight into a possible alternative means of retarding wear-type corrugation growth. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.