A three-dimensional wheel–rail adhesion model for water-contaminated conformal contact

Water at the wheel–rail interface reduces traction and braking, posing safety risks to railway systems. This study proposes a three-dimensional wheel–rail adhesion model that considers water-contaminated conditions and conformal contact between the rail gauge corner and wheel flange. It integrates the wheel–rail contact geometry model, conformal contact corrections, and mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication solution. The effects of wheelset lateral displacement, yaw motion, speed, and axle load on wheel–rail adhesion performance under the water layer at the interface are explored. Numerical observations indicate that lateral displacement and yaw angle significantly impact wheel–rail adhesion. This work provides valuable insight into wheel–rail adhesion under water-contaminated conditions and paves the way for studying vehicle dynamic behavior under water contaminants at the wheel–rail interface.