Influence of unilateral low adhesion on transient wheel-rail rolling contact and wheel damages

A time-domain finite element model is developed to study the transient rolling contact of a driving wheelset over a curved track with Low Adhesion Zones (LAZs) shorter than 1.0 m. LAZs on one rail, i.e., unilateral LAZs occurring more likely, is treated for a speed up to 500 km/h. Structural vibrations of wheelset are analyzed to explain the transient contact forces, creepages and the resulting irregular wear. LAZs on high rails are found more detrimental than those on low rails. The results explain the occurrence of flats and rolling contact fatigue in bad weather, although significant wheel idling is absent.

Automated summary

A time-domain finite element model was developed to investigate the transient rolling contact of a driving wheelset over a curved track with Low Adhesion Zones (LAZs) shorter than 1.0 m. Structural vibrations of the wheelset were analyzed to explain the transient contact forces, creepages, and resulting irregular wear. LAZs on the high rails were found to be more detrimental than those on the low rails. The results shed light on the occurrence of flats and rolling contact fatigue in adverse weather conditions, even without significant wheel idling.