Dynamic finite element simulation of wheel–rail contact response for the straight track case

Abstract

The dynamic effects, mainly including the inertia effect and strain-rate effect, on the dynamic wheel–rail contact behavior become more and more serious as the train speed increases. The inertia effect can be automatically taken into account in explicit finite element analysis codes, while the strain-rate effect needs to be considered via inputting the related material parameters. In the present paper, the influence of strain rate on the dynamic wheel–rail contact response for the straight track case was explored, based on a 3D wheel–rail rolling contact finite element model, via LS-DYNA/explicit algorithm. Effects of the axle load and train speed on typical dynamic wheel–rail responses were discussed, and the results indicate that the coupled train speed with strain rate has a non-negligible influence on dynamic contact responses. The strain rate hardening effect increases the maximum contact pressure and stress, and inhibits the plastic deformation of the wheel–rail system. A rate-sensitive factor (RSF) was then introduced to describe the strain rate hardening effect, confirming that the rail is more sensitive to strain rate compared to the wheel. Finally, an error analysis of the wheel–rail Hertz contact theory was conducted, which further verify the differences between elastic and elastic-plastic contact solutions.

Modeling the Dynamic Behavior of Track Transitions Along Shared Track Corridors

“…Note that the current version of the model described in this manuscript simulates the transient behavior of the track only, and therefore, cumulative effects on the track due to repeated train loading cannot accommodated. Nevertheless, past researchers have consistently established the detrimental effects of increased axle loading on dynamic track response Zakeri et al, 2020;Zhou et al, 2021). Therefore, passage of the freight train across a track transition with existing tie gaps can further aggravate the gap magnitude.…”

Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Railways: Systematic Review of Research Progress

“…The simulation results provide valuable information about the distribution of forces and stresses at the contact point, allowing for a deeper understanding of the system's performance and dynamic behavior. This has significant implications for the design and maintenance of railway systems, contributing to operational optimization and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions [96].…”

Stress Analysis of Vehicle Wheel Component of Rail System Vehicles for Plain and Curved Rail Cases in High-Speed Freight Transport

“…Xiongfei vd. [12] düz rayda tekerlek ray tepkisinin dinamik modellemesini sonlu elemanlar yöntemi kullanarak analiz etmiştir. Çalışmada en yüksek temas kuvvetinin ve Von Mises gerilmelerinin işletme hızının artmasıyla arttığı görülmüştür.…”