Study on relationship between oblique fatigue crack and rail wear in curve track and prevention

The coupling relationship between oblique fatigue crack and rail wear in curve track was investigated by means of field analysis and theoretical calculation. The field investigations indicate that while the side wear of rail is serious, the fatigue crack is relatively slight. The increase of rail wear rate can alleviate its fatigue damage. The relationship between side wear of rail and fatigue crack damage seems as competitive and restrictive coupling mechanisms. Thus, a new asymmetrical rail grinding method was developed to prevent oblique crack damage of curve track in Guangzhou–Shenzhen railway. The field test results indicate that the asymmetrical rail grinding increases the guidance force between wheel flange and rail and aggravates rail wear. This new rail grinding method can dramatically alleviate rail fatigue oblique crack damage in high-speed curve track by increasing artificially wear rate.