Thermomechanical Analysis of the Stress-Strain State of Multilayer Press Joints of Motor-Axial Bearings of Locomotives

contact pairs at the interface boundaries was investigated using non-linear formulations that account for sliding friction forces. The simulation was performed within a multi-stage thermomechanical loading framework. This framework included sequential stages of mechanical press-fitting of components at baseline temperature, subsequent uniform thermal exposure under operating conditions, and a return to the initial thermal state, alongside an independent analysis of structural performance under extreme heating and deep cooling. Results: it was established that during operational heating up to 90 °C, the contact pressure decreases by 4.3 % (down to 39.9 MPa), which triggers an axial slippage of the bearing shell up to 22.14 μm. Under extreme heating (+200 °C), the equivalent stresses in the steel jacket peak at 245.6 MPa, while maintaining an elastic deformation behavior (70 % of the yield strength). Under extreme cooling (–40 °C), the intensive thermal contraction of the bronze leads to an increase in bearing shell stresses up to 99 MPa, which creates a local risk of plastic collapse within the anti-friction layer. Practical signi ficance: the obtained quantitative patterns allow for the substantiation of optimal assembly interferences and temperature ranges for the safe operation of locomotive bearing units, preventing interface separation and plastic degradation of the elements. Furthermore, these results can be utilized in the design of prospective locomotive components.