Work

Comparative Study of Wheel Profile Influence on Multi-Point Wheel–Turnout Contact Using Kalker’s Theory

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Turnouts represent a critical element of railway infrastructure, and are subjected to some of the highest mechanical stresses due to the discontinuity of the track geometry. Failures in this area generate high maintenance costs and may compromise traffic safety. This study investigates the effect of wheel profile geometry on the wheel–turnout interaction in the presence of multi-point contact. Two standard wheel profiles, S78 and S1002, are compared using numerical simulations based on Kalker’s three-dimensional rolling contact theory, implemented in the CONTACT program. The methodology includes parametric analysis of the contact stresses, adhesion/slip distribution, and frictional power density for typical operational conditions. It was observed that the choice of wheel profile significantly influences the shape and load distribution of contact patches, with direct implications for wear mechanisms and guidance safety. These findings provide valuable insight for optimizing wheel–rail interface design and for reducing turnout maintenance costs.

Source: Lubricants

DOI: 10.3390/lubricants13120534

Authors: Mihaela Cristina Tudorache, Razvan Andrei Oprea, Marius Adrian Spiroiu, Camil Ion Craciun, Sorin Arsene

Institution: Universitatea Națională de Știință și Tehnologie Politehnica București

Language: English

Topic: Railway Engineering and Dynamics

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137