Analysis on wheel-rail contact of 65-m radio telescope

Based on the Hertz linear elastic contact theory, the maximum contact pressure and contact width of wheel-rail are obtained. It follows the oval distribution regularly in combination with the formulation of contact pressure. Referring to contact width, the contact area is defined by redevelopment. Nonlinear contact problem has been analyzed by applying three dimensional finite element model. It is shown that their variation trends are in excellent agreements followed by comparisons between theoretical and numerical results. The fatigue life of rail is predicted based on contact fatigue theory. The fatigue strength is checked in terms of the maximum contact stress. It is shown that life requirement is met. The analysis of static contact and dynamic fatigue ensures the structure security to the wheel-rail of 65 meter radio telescope.