Rolling contact fatigue prediction for rails and comparisons with test rig results

• Tests in a full-scale roller rig, a full-scale linear test rig, and a twin-disc machine are numerically evaluated and compared in terms of rolling contact fatigue loading. From previously evaluated contact patch sizes, a Whler curve relationship is established and matched towards experimentally established fatigue lives. In addition, non-linear finite-element simulations are carried out. Key data needed for the numerical evaluations, as well as difficulties in translating experimental data to numerical models are highlighted. A key parameter here is the interfacial wheel-rail friction. Additional simulations were carried out to establish the latter. However, the conformal contact in the linear test rig makes such simulations very uncertain.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

sliding contact

model

Sweden.

numerical prediction

rail-wheel contact

T.] Epsilon

comparison with test rig results

[Kabo

ARMEC Appl Mech

Sweden.

E.

Vernersson

steel

Sweden.

[Ekberg

Gothenburg

A.] Chalmers Ind

Gothenburg

life

non-linear finite-element simulations

rolling contact fatigue

failure

SE-14296 Gothenburg

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)