Wheel/Rail Profiles’ Effects on Vehicle Curving Behaviors and Wear

Abstract:

The effects of the measured and the designed wheel/rail profiles on Shanghai Metro’s curving behaviors, flange wear, rail wear, corrugation, rolling contact fatigue (RCF) were investigated by modeling a nonlinear vehicle model. The results show that curving behaviors in all four wheel/rail matches satisfy the vehicle dynamics requirements, but the curving behaviors in the designed wheel profile and worn rail profile are less satisfactory. Wheel climbing ratio and value of wheel guiding force in this kind of wheel/rail match are higher. The spinning power of LM/UIC60 on outer rail is very high, leading to side wear of outer rail. The high longitudinal creepages on LM/UIC60 which the outer locates on the negative section of creep force creepage curve and the inner is around saturated point cause stick slip fluctuation easily, then forming corrugation. Besides, by analyzing the RCF, the worn wheel profile damages the outer rail on sharp curve.