Finite element model reveals how temperature affects wheel/rail contact characteristics during hunting motion, indicating important implications for rail safety.
A slight slip on the wheel/rail contact surface during the hunting motion will cause the temperature on the interface to increase, which will influence the contact characteristics and lifespan of the wheel/rail materials. For the purpose of investigating the thermo-mechanical coupling effect of wheel/rail contact during the hunting motion and its influence on the wheel/rail contact characteristics, a three-dimensional (3D) full-size finite element model for the thermo-mechanical coupling of wheel and rail is constructed using Ansys software according to the actual size. The model includes the wheel, rail, pad, sleeper, and foundation system. The wheel/rail contact characteristics, temperature, stress and strain distribution under different creep states of train (lateral creep, longitudinal creep, and spin creep) are researched for freight train travelling at a speed of 40 km/h. The study indicates that the initial contact patch shape of wheel/rail is similar to an ellipse, with an area of 164.3 mm 2 . The lateral creep and longitudinal creep have a significant effect on the temperature. The temperature distribution is sinusoidal waveform, and the longitudinal creep can lead to a temperature rise of up to 58.6 ℃. The spin creep has a little effect on the temperature, stress and strain. During lateral slipping, the contact patch transitions from an elliptical shape to a circular one, and then back to an ellipse. This transformation has a considerable impact on the contact area, maximum contact stress, and its location.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Li et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: