The effect of wheel polygonal wear on temperature and vibration characteristics of a high-speed train braking system

To study the effect of wheel polygonal wear (WPW) on temperature and vibration behaviours of a high-speed train braking system, a rigid-flexible coupled vehicle system dynamics model and a thermo-mechanical coupled finite element (FE) model of a braking system are developed in this study. The accuracy of the vehicle dynamics model and FE model are verified by line and bench tests, respectively. The dynamic interactions between different vehicle components, and the nonlinear factors such as wheel rail interactions, non-linear damper and disc block frictions are comprehensively considered in the model, which is able to more realistically reflect the service environment of a vehicle system and accurately capture the vibration, temperature and disc block contact status of a braking system during braking process. Based on the established models, the dynamic behaviours of the braking system excited by WPW is systematically investigated. The results indicate that the standard deviation (SD) of contact area, the root mean square (RMS) values of vibration and the temperature of friction block interface with WPW are much higher compared to those without WPW. Besides, the braking system experiences more intense vibration with the increment of WPW order.

Automated summary

In this study, a rigid-flexible coupled vehicle system dynamics model and a thermo-mechanical coupled finite element (FE) model of a braking system are developed to investigate the effect of wheel polygonal wear (WPW) on temperature and vibration behaviors of a high-speed train braking system. The results show that braking systems with WPW have higher standard deviation (SD) of contact area, root mean square (RMS) values of vibration, and temperature at the friction block interface compared to those without WPW. Additionally, the intensity of vibration in the braking system increases with the increment of WPW order.