Author(s)

W. Y. Yan, F. D. Fischer and P. Pointner

Abstract

A three-dimensional finite element model is used to investigate the initiation of head checks in railway tracks. The contact between a wheel and an ideal rail is numerically simulated. The wheel transfers both a moment and a lateral centrifugal force as well as a vertical load to the rail. Our analyses show that the additional centrifugal force can not only increase the friction force but also move the contact centre zone from rail head' s central region to rail head' s gauge corner. The contact force including the pressure and the friction force are transmi

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