An engineering model for rolling contact fatigue (RCF) of railway wheels is developed. Three well‐known types of fatigue in wheels – surface‐initiated fatigue, subsurface‐initiated fatigue and fatigue initiated at deep material defects – are accounted for. Fatigue impact is quantified by three fatigue indices expressed in analytical form. The model can easily be integrated in a multibody dynamics code without significantly increasing computational demands. A powerful tool for optimizing train–track configurations with respect to fatigue performance should result. In this paper, theoretical foundations, benefits and limitations of the model are presented. An example of a postprocessing analysis of data from a dynamic simulation of train–track interaction is given.

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Numerical analysis of high-frequency dynamic train-track interaction is combined with the analysis of material deterioration in terms of rolling contact fatigue (RCF) and plastic deformations to analyze the influence of insulated rail joints. These joints form local rail irregularities and lead to a local change of dynamic track stiffness. Dynamic responses at wheel passes are evaluated. Further, related plastic deformations at the joint and increased RCF impact along a stretch of the track adjacent to the joint are predicted.