Dynamic Finite Element Simulations for Understanding Wheel-Rail Contact Oscillatory States Occurring Under Sliding Conditions

Abstract

This paper presents a temporal study using dynamic finite element methods of the dynamic response of a 2D mechanical model composed of a deformable rotating disk (wheel) in contact with a deformable translating body (rail) with constant Coulomb friction. Under global sliding conditions, oscillatory states at specific frequencies occur in the contact patch even in the case of a constant friction coefficient. A parallel is drawn between the frequencies of these states and the modal analysis of the entire mechanical model. The influence on local contact conditions of parameters such as normal load, global sliding ratio, friction coefficient, and the transient value for applying sliding conditions is then evaluated. Finally, the consequences of these states on local rail plastic deformation are presented and correlated with rail corrugation occurring on straight tracks under acceleration and deceleration conditions.