Deformation and damage of a crossing nose due to wheel passages

The cyclic deformation of a crossing nose in a railway turnout due to repeated wheel passages is investigated by numerical simulations with the finite element code ABAQUS. An explicit finite element method is used to determine the dynamic response of the wheel–rail system. More detailed studies on stresses and strains in the crossing nose are performed on a quasi-static model calculated by the implicit finite element method. For both models nonlinear kinematic hardening is defined for the material behaviour in the finite element simulation. To predict the early evolution of damage, a damage indicator concept for ductile materials is integrated in the numerical calculations. A cast manganese crossing is compared to a crossing consisting of a steel composite. From the results obtained, an explanation for the good performance of manganese crossings observed in operated tracks is found. The study provides a method for the further research on fatigue and wear of crossings aiming at an improvement of crossings.