Finite element modeling and research of contact stresses evolution in process of starting of railway wheel

The problem of contact interaction between rail and wheel in case of fixed wheel, in case of wheel starting its rolling and in case of steady rolling is being studied. The influence of relative position of wheel and rail on the deformed state of the system was studied to determine optimal position in terms of stress minimization. Evolution of contact stresses distribution throughout different stages of wheel starting process was recovered. It was shown that in the process of wheel starting higher values of stresses were achieved, comparing to steady-rolling, which should be considered for wear prediction of the wheel. Distributions of contact stresses in case of steady rolling were investigated. Also zones of relative slip and stick of wheel and rail surfaces were recovered.