Developing a Simplified Linear-Elastic Material Model for Carbon Paper Applied in the Rough Rail–Wheel Contact

Abstract

The contact between two surfaces can be determined using experimental or numerical methods. Suitable experiments and material models of the contact surfaces are required for the validation of numerical simulations. Paper in combination with carbon paper can be used in experiments to determine the contact area between contact surfaces. A simplified linear-elastic material model of paper was developed for compression in the thickness direction. To evaluate the material model, it was applied to an exemplary wheel–rail contact situation.