3D finite element analysis of wheel-rail profiles in different contact conditions

In the field of wheel-rail contact, many researches have been done into rolling profiles in this paper, three wheels from passenger wagons and two standard rails UIC60 and U33 are considered. The calculation of contact parameters including contact surface dimensions, stress, and pressure makes it possible to investigate wheel and rail profile conformity in different contact conditions including straight track, curving, and crossing. Hertz contact method and finite element analysis were used for this purpose. The comparison of mentioned parameters for six pairs of wheel and rail was conducted. The results show that in the case of straight track and curving wheel III has smaller contact stresses and pressures but in the case of crossing wheel I represents an acceptable performance in contact with rail UIC60. Taken together, the results indicate a weak performance of rail U33 in all cases.