Comprehensive validation of three-dimensional finite element modelling of wheel-rail high-frequency interaction via the V-Track test rig

Wheel-rail high-frequency interaction is closely related to the formation of railway short-wave defects. Finite element (FE) method has been widely used to simulate wheel-rail dynamic systems, but its validity in modelling high-frequency interaction has not been fully demonstrated in three dimensions (3D). This work aims at comprehensively...

A finite element thermomechanical analysis of the development of wheel polygonal wear

Polygonal wear is a type of damage commonly observed on the railway wheel tread. It induces wheel-rail impacts and consequent train/track components failure. This study presents a finite element (FE) thermomechanical wheel-rail contact model, which is able to cope with the three possible generation and development mechanisms of polygonal wear...

Parametric investigation of railway fastenings into the formation and mitigation of short pitch corrugation

Short pitch corrugation has been a problem for railways worldwide over one century. In this paper, a parametric investigation of fastenings is conducted to understand the corrugation formation mechanism and gain insights into corrugation mitigation. A three-dimensional finite element vehicle–track dynamic interaction model is employed, which...

An integrated 3D dynamic FE vehicle-track model in elasto-plasticity to investigate short pitch corrugation under cyclic wheel loads

The mechanism of rail short pitch corrugation has remained elusive in the past. The damage mechanisms of the corrugation are reported to be differential wear or plastic deformation. The former has been extensively studied, while the plastic deformation, especially under multiple wheel passages has been seldom studied. To uncover the facts...

Ground vibration induced by high speed trains on an embankment with pile-board foundation: Modelling and validation with in situ tests

To investigate the train-induced ground vibration, an explicit time-domain, three dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model is developed. The train, track, embankment, pile-board structure and nearby ground soils are all fully coupled in this model. The complex geometries involving the track components and pile-board structure are all...

Strain partitioning and damage initiation in a continuously cooled carbide free bainitic steel

Microscopic stress and strain partitioning control the mechanical and damage behavior of multiphase steels. Using a combined numerical and experimental approach, local strain distributions and deformation localization are characterized in a carbide free bainitic steel produced by continuous cooling. The microstructure of the steel consists of...

Multi-criteria evaluation of wheel/rail degradation at railway crossings

This study evaluates the degradation of wheels and rails at railway crossings. The evaluation method is composed of 1) finite element simulation of dynamic wheel/crossing interaction and 2) multi-criteria analysis of wheel/rail degradation in terms of yield behavior, rolling contact fatigue (RCF) and wear. With the aid of this method, we...

Robust and predictive fuzzy key performance indicators for condition-based treatment of squats in railway infrastructures

This paper presents a condition-based treatment methodology for a type of rail surface defect called squat. The proposed methodology is based on a set of robust and predictive fuzzy key performance indicators. A fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno interval model is used to predict squat evolution for different scenarios over a time horizon. Models including...

Computation of stress intensity factors in an initiating RCF crack using a 3D modelling approach

New insights into the short pitch corrugation development enigma based on 3D-FE dynamic vehicle-track coupled modelling in frictional rolling contact

A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) dynamic frictional rolling contact model is presented for the study of short pitch corrugation that considers direct and instantaneous coupling between the contact mechanics and the structural dynamics in a vehicle-track system. In this study, we examine the system responses in terms of vibration...

Sensitivity analysis of railpad parameters on vertical railway track dynamics

This paper presents a sensitivity analysis of railpad parameters on vertical railway track dynamics, incorporating the nonlinear behavior of the fastening (i.e., downward forces compress the railpad whereas upward forces are resisted by the clamps). For this purpose, solid railpads, rail-railpad contact and preloaded springs are defined in a...

A 3D finite element modeling of hammer test for track parameter identification

In railway tracks, short wave rail surface defects give rise to high wheel-rail dynamic forces and noise. Having a better insight into short wave defect occurrence could lead to development of adapted maintenance methods or track design to delay or avoid defect, so that the high short wave defect related maintenance costs may be reduced. As part...