Formation Mechanism of Rail Corrugation for Modern Tram Lines

Abstract

In order to explain the phenomenon of corrugation on measured line sections of the modern tram, a numerical model of modern tram-track coupling has been established by utilizing the multi-body dynamics method, and the formation mechanism of corrugation has been studied from the perspective of wheel-rail contact creep. The results show that the smaller the curve radius is, the greater the probability of corrugation occurs. The corrugation wavelength range is 40 mm~50 mm, the wave depth range is 0.05 mm~0.1 mm, and the wave depth is relatively small compared with the corrugation wave depth of metro lines, which is in line with the characteristics of the light-load operation of the tram. The formation mechanism of corrugation on modern tram sharp curves can be described as wheel-rail contact creep saturation leads to the generation of corrugation, and the source of creep is related to the guiding mechanism of the longitudinally coupled independent wheelset bogie. The formation of corrugation on the straight line of the modern tram is related to the difference in wheel diameters between the front and rear wheelsets on the same side, which can lead to different longitudinal velocities, thus generating longitudinal creep forces and inducing rail corrugation.