An Analysis of 3-D Wheel-Rail Contact Stress under Heavy Axle Load Using Non-Linear Finite Element Method

Abstract

Wheel-rail contact stress is foundation of the relationship between wheel and rail, and also an important basis for investigating further wear, surface damage and other problems of wheel and rail system. A three dimension elastic-plastic wheel/rail contact model is established using non-linear finite element method. The changes of wheel/rail normal contact stress, Mises stress and elastic-plastic deformations are analyzed under different conditions in heavy haul railway. A method is provided for a foundation of the future study of wheel-rail contact wear, fatigue and cracks germination and development in this paper.