Coatings 12 01333
Coatings 12 01333
Coatings 12 01333
Article
Study on the Evolution of Wheel Wear and Its Impact on
Vehicle Dynamics of High-Speed Trains
Maorui Hou 1,2, * , Bingzhi Chen 2 and Di Cheng 1
1 Railway Science and Technology Research and Development Center, China Academy of Railway Sciences
Corporation Limited, Beijing 100081, China
2 College of Locomotive and Vehicle Engineering, Dalian Jiaotong University, Dalian 116028, China
* Correspondence: houmaorui@126.com
Abstract: Wheel wear is one of the most critical factors affecting the vehicle performances and
maintenance costs of railway vehicles. However, previous research has to ignore the initial wheel-rail
profiles for the evolution of wheel wear. Therefore, this work investigates the relationship between the
evolution of wheel wear corresponding to different initial wheel-rail profiles and vehicle dynamics,
wheel-rail deterioration. Firstly, the evolution of wheel wear during a long service period is measured
from two high-speed railway trains running on two different lines. Contact geometry, e.g., equivalent
conicity and contact pair distribution, are extracted. After that, the influence of wheel wear on the
vehicle dynamic performance is studied using a multi-body dynamic software. The calculated contact
parameters, e.g., pressure, shear traction, and creepage, are used to analyze the distribution of rolling
contact fatigue. Based on the experimental and simulation results, the initial wheel and rail profiles
significantly affects the wheel wear pattern, the thin rim wheel has uniform wear, and other wheels
occurs hollow wear. The hollow wear can lead to gradual deterioration of vehicle dynamics, which
conversely aggravates the wheel reprofiling.
Keywords: wheel wear; wheel-rail interface; vehicle system dynamics; multi-body simulation
Citation: Hou, M.; Chen, B.; Cheng,
D. Study on the Evolution of Wheel
Wear and Its Impact on Vehicle
Dynamics of High-Speed Trains.
Coatings 2022, 12, 1333. https://
1. Introduction
doi.org/10.3390/coatings12091333 The wheel-rail profile is crucial in defining how wheels and rails interact dynam-
ically [1–3]. In practice, minor tread alterations may significantly alter the equivalent
Academic Editor: Antolin Hernández
conicity and wheel-rail contact locations, altering the vehicle’s stability [4].
Battez
Wheel wear of the Chinese high-speed train is relatively complicated. The main
Received: 26 June 2022 characteristics of the wheel-rail inter-face can be summarized as follows: high operational
Accepted: 8 September 2022 speed (300–350 km/h), long operational distance (2300 km/day), ice, sand or another
Published: 14 September 2022 environment. In railway applications, wheel wear due to rail-wheel interactions is a critical
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
issue. Increasing vehicle speeds and traffic volumes increase wheel wear, which reduces
with regard to jurisdictional claims in wheel re-profiling intervals and decreases vehicle performance dynamically [5,6].
published maps and institutional affil- Many scholars have studied wheel wear through field measurements, laboratory
iations. tests, and theoretical prediction. Numerous research on the influence of wheel-rail profiles
on dynamic performance [7,8] and deterioration in wheel-rails [9,10] have been done.
In laboratory tests, wear coefficients in various wheel-rail contact conditions were also
estimated [11]. Ostash et al. and Andreiko et al. researched the new high-strength wheel
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. steels with the best combination of high wear and fracture resistance [12,13]. Qi et al. [14]
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. analyzed the abnormal vibration problem of carbody caused by the wheel rail profile
This article is an open access article through field tests. In many cases, the simulated wear distributions are successfully
distributed under the terms and developed to forecast the development of the wheel profile [15–18]. Cui et al. [19] proposed
conditions of the Creative Commons
a re-profiling threshold according to the wear forms for high-speed train’s wheels. Wang
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
et al. [20] studied the wheel re-profiling interval for the CRH380B EMU according to the
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
dynamic performance based on extensive field data set. An analysis of wheel-rail contact
4.0/).
bandwidth and its impact on wheel tread wear was carried out by Gan et al. [21]. It can
be found from these studies that most of the existing studies focus on the new wheel-rail
profile in the literature, but the research on wheel wear pattern and wheel-rail interaction
for different service lines is few. However, the difference in the shape of the worn wheels
has a great impacts on vehicle dynamics of high-speed trains.
In this work, to analyze how wheel wear evolves and affects vehicle dynamics, wheel
wear evolution, wheel-rail contact pairs distribution, and vehicle dynamics behavior are
experimentally and numerically studied for high-speed trains. Section 2 demonstrates the
wheel wear evolution (e.g., the changes in wheel profiles and depth of the worn shape) in
one reprofiling cycles. In Section 3, wheel-rail interactions, such as the wheel-rail contact
pairs distribution and equivalent conicity, are comparatively analyzed for the worn wheels.
In Section 4, the effects of wheel wear on the dynamics behavior and wheel deterioration
are investigated through a multi-body analysis of the vehicle. Finally, some conclusions
are drawn.
Annual
Rail Wheel
Axle Passing Rail Wheel
Name Length/km Speed/(km/h) Climates Track Type Hard- Hard-
Load/t Ton- Material Material
ness/HB ness/HB
nage/Mt
CRTS I
A 1776 200–250 Sandy (unballasted 14 4.2 U71MnK ER8 260–300 ≥245
track)
CRTS I
Dampness-
B 857 200–250 (unballasted 14 6.3 U71MnK ER8 260–300 ≥245
heat
track)
Wheel profiles are measured by the MiniProf instrument every 20,000 km or 50,000 km.
The MiniProf systems are high-precision (0.01 mm), full-contact profile measuring tools for
monitoring and analyzing the cross-sectional profiles of wheels. During a wheel re-profiling
interval, the wheel is tested 10 times for Line A, and the wheel is tested 7 times for Line B.
Figure 1 depicts the connection between wheel wear and operating distance for
all 64 wheels in 8 cars, including the maximum, minimum, median, abnormal, and quan-
tiles of wear depth. According to the statistical results of two high-speed lines, the wheel
wear gradually increases and presents an approximately linear relationship. Significantly,
the error of wheel wear gradually increases with operation distance. In the Line A, the
average wear rate is 0.05 mm/10,000 km, the maximum wear and the average wear are
about 1.5 mm and 1.1 mm at 218,000 km, respectively.
Similarly, in the Line B, the wheel wear rate is segmentally linear: the wheel wear
rate is about 0.022 mm/10,000 km before 113,000 km, and it further increases to about
0.025 mm/10,000 km after 113,000 km. At 218,000 km, the maximum wear on a wheel is
about 0.75 mm, and the average wear is about 0.55 mm.
The worn profiles of a wheel with Line A are shown in Figure 2a. As shown in
Figure 2b, the firstly-measured wheel profile be the reference, the profiles tested after
different operation distance is subtracted from the reference profile in the normal direction
1.6 0.8
1.4
1.2
0.6
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Wear [mm]
Wear [mm]
0.8
0.4
0.6
0.4
to obtain the wear distribution. The calculations demonstrate 0.2 that when hollow wear begins
0.2
in the wheel, the dominant wear concentrated on the lateral position between −20~30 mm.
0.0
At lateral2.6 positions 13.2 15.2 −17.7
between 19.3 −
35 and 21.845 mm, flange wear occurs with a11.3
coordinate system
Coatings 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 0.0 3 of 15
5.4 7.7 10.1 3.2 5.7 8.5 15.2 21.8
defined at theOperation
nominal
distancerolling
[10,000 km] radius. Noticeably, the flange wear
Operationhas not
distance been
[10,000 km] observed
for Line A.
(a) (b)
1.6 0.8
Figure 1. Wheel wear in one re‐profiling interval: (a) Line A; (b) Line B.
1.4
1.2 Similarly, in the Line B, the wheel wear rate is segmentally linear: the wheel wear
0.6
1.0 rate is about 0.022 mm/10,000 km before 113,000 km, and it further increases to about 0.025
Wear [mm]
Wear [mm]
0.8 mm/10,000 km after 113,000 km. At 218,000 km, the maximum wear on a wheel is about
0.4
0.6 0.75 mm, and the average wear is about 0.55 mm.
0.4
The worn profiles of a wheel with Line A are shown in Figure 2a. As shown in Figure
0.2
2b, the firstly‐measured wheel profile be the reference, the profiles tested after different
0.2
operation distance is subtracted from the reference profile in the normal direction to ob‐
0.0
tain the wear distribution. The calculations demonstrate that when hollow wear begins in
0.0
2.6 5.4 7.7 10.1 13.2 15.2 17.7 19.3 21.8 3.2 5.7 8.5 11.3 15.2 21.8
the wheel, the dominant wear concentrated on the lateral position between −20~30 mm.
Operation distance [10,000 km] Operation distance [10,000 km]
At lateral positions between −35 and −45 mm, flange wear occurs with a coordinate system
defined at the nominal rolling radius. Noticeably, the flange wear has not been observed
(a)
for Line A.
(b)
Figure 1. Wheel wear in one re‐profiling interval: (a) Line A; (b) Line B.
Figure 1. Wheel wear in one re-profiling interval: (a) Line A; (b) Line B.
Similarly, in the Line B, the wheel wear rate is segmentally linear: the wheel wear
rate is about 0.022 mm/10,000 km before 113,000 km, and it further increases to about 0.025
mm/10,000 km after 113,000 km. At 218,000 km, the maximum wear on a wheel is about
0.75 mm, and the average wear is about 0.55 mm.
The worn profiles of a wheel with Line A are shown in Figure 2a. As shown in Figure
2b, the firstly‐measured wheel profile be the reference, the profiles tested after different
operation distance is subtracted from the reference profile in the normal direction to ob‐
tain the wear distribution. The calculations demonstrate that when hollow wear begins in
the wheel, the dominant wear concentrated on the lateral position between −20~30 mm.
At lateral positions between −35 and −45 mm, flange wear occurs with a coordinate system
defined at the nominal rolling radius. Noticeably, the flange wear has not been observed
for Line A.
(a) (b)
Figure 2. MeasuredFigure 2. Measured wheel profiles and wheel wear distribution of the Line A: (a) wheel profiles; (b)
wheel profiles and wheel wear distribution of the Line A: (a) wheel profiles;
wheel wear distribution.
(b) wheel wear distribution.
As shown in Figure 3, there is a slight change in the wheel rim. In addition, a lateral wear
As shown in Figure 3, there is a slight change in the wheel rim. In addition, a lateral
position of −35 to 50 mm with a broad wear range was stated for the ‘uniform wear’. As a result of
Coatings 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 15
wear position of −35 to 50 mm with a broad wear range was stated for the ‘uniform wear’.
the economic reprofiling strategy, initial flange wear is clearly visible.
As a result of the economic reprofiling strategy, initial flange wear is clearly visible.
(a) (b)
Figure 2. Measured wheel profiles and wheel wear distribution of the Line A: (a) wheel profiles; (b)
wheel wear distribution.
As shown in Figure 3, there is a slight change in the wheel rim. In addition, a lateral wear
position of −35 to 50 mm with a broad wear range was stated for the ‘uniform wear’. As a result of
the economic reprofiling strategy, initial flange wear is clearly visible.
(a) (b)
Figure 3. Wheel profiles and wear distribution of the Line B: (a) wheel tread profiles; (b) wheel wear
Figure 3. Wheel profiles and wear distribution of the Line B: (a) wheel tread profiles; (b) wheel wear
distribution.
distribution.
3. Wheel‐Rail Contact Geometry
The contact geometry is defined by gauge, rail cant, and profile of the wheel that
contact with railhead. In China, it uses a gauge of 1435 mm, a cant of 1:40, a wheelback
distance of 1353 mm, a wheel diameter of 860 mm. In addition, the evolution of equivalent
conicity, wheel‐rail contact pairs distribution for the two high‐speed lines are compared.
3.1. Equivalent Conicity
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30
0
Vertical coordinate [mm]
Vertical coordinate [mm]
25 line A
60D
line B
20 -10 0 line A
-2 line B
15
-4
-20
10 -6
-8
5 -30
-10
0 10 20 30
0
-40
-5 -40 -20 0 20 40
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60
Lateral coordinate [mm] Lateral coordinate [mm]
(a) (b)
Figure 4. Profiles of two railway lines’ wheels and rails: (a) re‐profiling shapes and (b) rail profile.
Figure 4. Profiles of two railway lines’ wheels and rails: (a) re-profiling shapes and (b) rail profile.
The measured rail profiles of the two lines are identical to the 60D profile, as shown
The measured rail profiles of the two lines are identical to the 60D profile, as shown in
in Figure 4b. The rail profile of the Line B with a certain positive deviation slightly bugles
Figure 4b. The rail profile of the Line B with a certain positive deviation slightly bugles
at the
at the working
working sideside gauge. The rail
gauge. The rail grinding
grinding profile
profile by the grindstone,
by the grindstone, so
so the
the working
working
accuracy is far less than turning lathes to restore the original tread profile. The rail grind‐
accuracy is far less than turning lathes to restore the original tread profile. The rail grinding
ing strategies adopted by different engineering departments is slightly different, resulting
strategies adopted by different engineering departments is slightly different, resulting in
in slight manufacturing error between the measured profiles and the 60D.
slight manufacturing error between the measured profiles and the 60D.
Based on the UIC 519 standard, the equivalent conicity is determined here using the
Based on the UIC 519 standard, the equivalent conicity is determined here using the
measured profiles [22]. The equivalent conicity of two lines after reprofiling the wheel are
measured profiles [22]. The equivalent conicity of two lines after reprofiling the wheel are
compared, as shown in Figure 5. Due to the thin flange of the Line B, the wheel-rail gap
compared, as shown in Figure 5. Due to the thin flange of the Line B, the wheel‐rail gap
increases, the wheel enters the flange root, and the equivalent conicity begins to increase
increases, the wheel enters the flange root, and the equivalent conicity begins to increase
gradually when the wheelset lateral displacement reaches 10 mm.
gradually when the wheelset lateral displacement reaches 10 mm.
0.8
line A
0.6 line B
conicity [-]
0.4
ing strategies adopted by different engineering departments is slightly different, resulting
in slight manufacturing error between the measured profiles and the 60D.
Based on the UIC 519 standard, the equivalent conicity is determined here using the
measured profiles [22]. The equivalent conicity of two lines after reprofiling the wheel are
compared, as shown in Figure 5. Due to the thin flange of the Line B, the wheel‐rail gap
Coatings 2022, 12, 1333 5 of 14
increases, the wheel enters the flange root, and the equivalent conicity begins to increase
gradually when the wheelset lateral displacement reaches 10 mm.
0.8
line A
0.6 line B
0.2
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Wheelset lateral displacement [mm]
Figure 5. Equivalent conicity curves.
Figure 5. Equivalent conicity curves.
Figure 6 depicts the connection between equivalent conicity and operation distance
Figure 6 depicts the connection between equivalent conicity and operation distance
for all 64 wheels in eight cars of a single train. Figure 6a shows that the equivalent conicity
for all 64 wheels in eight cars of a single train. Figure 6a shows that the equivalent conicity
of the Line A gradually rises monotonically, and the increasing rate of equivalent conicity
of the Line A gradually rises monotonically, and the increasing rate of equivalent conicity
is about 0.006/10,000 km. The average statistic conicity starts from 0.07 and ends at 0.19 in
Coatings 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW is about 0.006/10,000 km. The average statistic conicity starts from 0.07 and ends at 0.19 in
6 of 15
one re-profiling cycle. However, the equivalent conicity is relatively stable for the Line B at
one re‐profiling cycle. However, the equivalent conicity is relatively stable for the Line B
about 0.03 in a whole re-profiling cycle, as shown in Figure 6b. As the wide range of wheel
at about 0.03 in a whole re‐profiling cycle, as shown in Figure 6b. As the wide range of
tread wear, the equivalent conicity does not increase.
wheel tread wear, the equivalent conicity does not increase.
0.3
0.08
0.06
Equivalent conicity [-]
0.2
0.04
0.1
0.02
0.0 0.00
2.6 5.4 7.7 10.1 13.2 15.2 17.7 19.3 21.8 3.2 5.7 8.5 11.3 15.2 21.8
Operation distance [10,000 km] Operation distance [10,000 km]
(a) (b)
Figure 6. Equivalent conicity revolution of different railway lines: (a) Line A; (b) Line B.
Figure 6. Equivalent conicity revolution of different railway lines: (a) Line A; (b) Line B.
(a) (b)
Figure 7. Wheel‐rail contact pairs distribution: (a) Line A (b) Line B.
Figure 7. Wheel-rail contact pairs distribution: (a) Line A (b) Line B.
4. Dynamics Analysis of Wheel Wear
Figure 7b illustrates the distribution of wheel-rail contact pairings always keeps the
center wheel tread and rail head and the bandwidth of the wheel-rail contact has been
With the goal of better understanding the impact of wheel wear, the numerical sim‐
somewhat improved.
ulation was used to analyze the dynamics performance and wheel degradation of a high‐
speed vehicle.
4. Dynamics Analysis of Wheel Wear
With the goal of better understanding the impact of wheel wear, the numerical
4.1. Numerical Modeling
simulation was used to analyze the dynamics performance and wheel degradation of
Following the analysis of wheel wear in various lines, the impact of wheel wear on
a high-speed vehicle.
vehicle dynamics is investigated further in this section of the paper. The commercial pro‐
gram Simpack creates a vehicle model based on characteristics taken from a high‐speed
4.1. Numerical Modeling
train, as seen in Figure 8 and Table 2. Multi‐body dynamics is used to create a vehicle
Following the analysis of wheel wear in various lines, the impact of wheel wear on
model with two bogie subsystems that completely encompass nonlinear wheel‐rail
vehicle dynamics is investigated further in this section of the paper. The commercial pro-
Coatings 2022, 12, 1333
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gram Simpack creates a vehicle model based on characteristics taken from a high-speed
contact, and suspension parts. The carbody and frame, as well as the wheelsets, have six
contact, and suspension parts. The carbody and frame, as well as the wheelsets, have six
train, as seen in Figure 8 and Table 2. Multi-body dynamics is used to create a vehicle
degrees of freedom, but the axle‐box has just one degree of freedom, so the model has 46
degrees of freedom, but the axle‐box has just one degree of freedom, so the model has 46
model with two bogie subsystems that completely encompass nonlinear wheel-rail contact,
degrees of freedom. Using the Kalker nonlinear creep and the Hertz contact theory, the
degrees of freedom. Using the Kalker nonlinear creep and the Hertz contact theory, the
and suspension parts. The carbody and frame, as well as the wheelsets, have six degrees of
creep force between the wheel and the rail is calculated. Hertz theory is used to solve the
creep force between the wheel and the rail is calculated. Hertz theory is used to solve the
freedom, but the axle-box has just one degree of freedom, so the model has 46 degrees of
normal contact problem, and the creep force is estimated using the FASTSIM technique.
normal contact problem, and the creep force is estimated using the FASTSIM technique.
freedom. Using the Kalker nonlinear creep and the Hertz contact theory, the creep force
The suggested friction coefficient between wheel and rail for running dynamics analysis
The suggested friction coefficient between wheel and rail for running dynamics analysis
between the wheel and the rail is calculated. Hertz theory is used to solve the normal
is 0.4 (dry condition).
is 0.4 (dry condition).
contact problem, and the creep force is estimated using the FASTSIM technique. The
The track irregularity is also considered here, and it comes from the measured track
The track irregularity is also considered here, and it comes from the measured track
suggested friction coefficient between wheel and rail for running dynamics analysis is 0.4
irregularity data with a length of 5000 m, as shown in Figure 9.
irregularity data with a length of 5000 m, as shown in Figure 9.
(dry condition).
Figure 8. The numerical model.
Figure 8. The numerical model.
Figure 8. The numerical model.
Table 2. Critical parameters of high‐speed train.
Table 2. Critical parameters of high‐speed train.
Table 2. Critical parameters of high-speed train.
Specification Value Specification Value
Specification
Specification Value
Value Specification
Specification Value
Value
Carbody weight (t) 33.79 Wheelset distance (m) 2.50
Carbody weight (t)
Carbody weight (t)
33.79 Wheelset distance (m)
33.79 Vertical stiffness of primary springs (MN/m)
Wheelset distance (m)
2.50
2.50
Bogie frame weight (t) 2.70 1.18
Bogie frame weight (t)
Bogie frame weight (t) 1.87 2.70 Vertical stiffness of primary springs (MN/m)
2.70 Lateral stiffness of primary springs (MN/m)
Vertical stiffness of primary springs (MN/m) 1.18
1.18
Wheelset weight (t) 0.98
Wheelset weight (t)
Wheelset weight (t) 1.87 Lateral stiffness of primary springs (MN/m) 0.98
1.87 Lateral stiffness of primary springs (MN/m) 0.98
Bogie distance (m) 17.50
Longitudinal stiffness of axle‐box joint
17.50 Longitudinal stiffness of axle-box joint (MN/m) 13.70
Bogie distance (m) Longitudinal stiffness of axle‐box joint 13.70
Bogie distance (m) 17.50 (MN/m) 13.70
(MN/m)
The track irregularity is also considered here, and it comes from the measured track
irregularity data with a length of 5000 m, as shown in Figure 9.
(a) (b)
(a) (b)
Figure 9. Track irregularity: (a) Lateral, (b) Vertical.
Figure 9. Track irregularity: (a) Lateral, (b) Vertical.
Figure 9. Track irregularity: (a) Lateral, (b) Vertical.
4.2. Running Stability and Ride Quality
4.2. Running Stability and Ride Quality
4.2. Running Stability and Ride Quality
The vehicle stability and ride quality under wheel wear are initially assessed based on
The vehicle stability and ride quality under wheel wear are initially assessed based
the The vehicle stability and ride quality under wheel wear are initially assessed based
measured wheel and rail profiles. Accelerations gathered from the carbody floor and
on the measured wheel and rail profiles. Accelerations gathered from the carbody floor
on the measured wheel and rail profiles. Accelerations gathered from the carbody floor
the bogie frame above thethe
wheelset areare
used to perform a dynamic assessment of lateral
and the bogie frame above wheelset used to perform a dynamic assessment of
and the bogie frame above the wheelset are used to perform a dynamic assessment of
lateral stability and ride comfort. This is known as the Sperling index is a commonly used
lateral stability and ride comfort. This is known as the Sperling index is a commonly used
for assessing the vehicle’s comfort, and is described as:
for assessing the vehicle’s comfort, and is described as:
𝐴
𝑊 7.08 𝐹 𝑓 (1)
𝑓
Coatings 2022, 12, 1333 8 of 14
where A is the vibration acceleration’s amplitude in the frequency domain, f is the fre‐
quency, and F(f) is the frequency‐weighted function. According to GB 5599‐2019 [23], the
limit value of ride comfort is set at 2.5 for the excellent level, 2.75 for the medium level,
stability and ride comfort. This is known as the Sperling index is a commonly used for
and 3.0 for the qualifying level.
assessing the vehicle’s comfort, and is described as:
The bogie lateral acceleration is filtered by bandpass filter 0.5–10 Hz, then a limit of
8 m/s2 defined in GB5599 was utilized to analyze bogie hunting. Filter parameters are set
s
A3
as follows: filter type is Butterworth, and window length is 500 m.
W = 7.08 10
F( f ) (1)
f
Figure 10 depicts the impact of wheel wear on bogie frame’s nonlinear critical speed,
lateral stability, and lateral acceleration. To maintain the high‐speed train’s stability, the
where A is the vibration acceleration’s amplitude in the frequency domain, f is the frequency,
maximum speed should be more than 350 km/h for the 250 km/h class high‐speed railway,
and F(f)taking into account the 40% safety margin. Figure 10a shows that the maxi‐mum speed of
is the frequency-weighted function. According to GB 5599-2019 [23], the limit
value oftwo lines is 450 km/h after wheels are re‐profiled. The maximum speed for Line A steadily
ride comfort is set at 2.5 for the excellent level, 2.75 for the medium level, and 3.0
for the qualifying level.
falls from 450 km/h to 370 km/h as the service distance increases, but it is still more than
Thethe running speed of 250 km/h. The non‐linear critical speed fluctuates within 450 km/h
bogie lateral acceleration is filtered by bandpass filter 0.5–10 Hz, then a limit of
8 m/s2 defined in GB5599 was utilized to analyze bogie hunting. Filter parameters are set
with little change corresponding to the B line.
as follows: filter type is Butterworth, and window length is 500 m.
Figure 10b demonstrates that the lateral ride index stables at 1.5 at the beginning of
Figure 10 depicts the impact of wheel wear on bogie frame’s nonlinear critical speed,
the first 50,000 km, then it is more significant than 2.75 for 152,000 km, so the ride quality
lateral stability, and lateral acceleration. To maintain the high-speed train’s stability, the
class decrease from “excellent” to “good”. However, the lateral ride index is retained at
maximum speed should be more than 350 km/h for the 250 km/h class high-speed railway,
1.5, keeping as “excellent” in the Line B.
taking into account the 40% safety margin. Figure 10a shows that the maxi-mum speed of
By comparing the findings from the two groups in Figure 10c, the lateral acceleration
two lines(Peak‐to‐Peak) increases monotonically with the operating distance for line A, the accel‐
is 450 km/h after wheels are re-profiled. The maximum speed for Line A steadily
falls from 450 km/h to 370 km/h 2as
eration goes from 1.38 m/s the service
to 3.49 m/s distance increases, but it is still more than
2 in 218,000 km. Contrary, the lateral acceleration of
2.0
Lateral ride index
425
400 1.5
375
1.0
350
0.5
325
300 0.0
-5 0 5 10 15 20 25 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25
Operation distance [10,000 km] Operation distance [10,000 km]
(a) (b)
6
line A
5 line B
Acceleration(m/s2)
0
-5 0 5 10 15 20 25
Operation distance [10,000 km]
(c)
Figure 10. Vehicle dynamics index. (a) critical speed; (b) lateral ride index and (c) carbody
acceleration.
Figure 10b demonstrates that the lateral ride index stables at 1.5 at the beginning of
the first 50,000 km, then it is more significant than 2.75 for 152,000 km, so the ride quality
class decrease from “excellent” to “good”. However, the lateral ride index is retained at 1.5,
keeping as “excellent” in the Line B.
Coatings 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 15
By comparing theTime histories of the lateral acceleration are shown in Figures 11 and 12 for Line A.
findings from the two groups in Figure 10c, the lateral acceleration
In Figure 11a,b, the lateral acceleration increases gradually. When the operating distance
(Peak-to-Peak) increases monotonically with the operating distance for line A, the accelera-
is under 50,000 km, the maximum acceleration is 0.75 m/s2. However, when the operating
tion goes from 1.38 m/s2 to 3.49 m/s2 in 218,000 km. Contrary, the lateral acceleration of
distance reaches 100,000 km, the acceleration exceeds 1.0 m/s
2 and 1.4 m/s2 .
2, with a maximum value of
bogie frame basically fluctuates
1.2 m/s2.
between 1.2 m/s
Time histories ofThe frequency spectra of carbody acceleration (FFT) are further shown in Figure 11c,
the lateral acceleration are shown in Figures 11 and 12 for Line A.
In Figure 11a,b, the lateral acceleration increases gradually. When the operating distance
it can be seen that the central frequency of carbody lateral acceleration is less than 2 Hz
is under 50,000 km, the maximum acceleration is 0.75 m/s2 . However, when the oper-
after wheel re‐profiling. The core frequency rises to 3.5 Hz at 54,000 km and it rises to 5–6
ating distance reaches 100,000 km, the acceleration exceeds 1.0 m/s2 , with a maximum
Hz at 100,000 km or more.
2
value of 1.2 m/s .
(a) (b)
0.10
Power spectral density /[(m/s2)2Hz1]
0 km 54,000 km 101,000 km
152,000 km 218,000 km
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Frequency /Hz
(c)
7 Hz with an operation distance of 100,000 km. Lesser low frequencies in the same plot
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relate to stiff motion of the carbody and hunting motion of the wheelset.
(a) (b)
152,000 km 218,000 km
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Frequency/Hz
(c)
Figure 12. Vibration on bogie frame ends for Line A: (a) service distance less than 54,000 km; (b) the
Figure 12. Vibrationservice distance more than 101,000 km;(c) frequency domain.
on bogie frame ends for Line A: (a) service distance less than 54,000 km; (b) the
service distance more than 101,000 km;(c) frequency domain.
Line B, in contrast to Line A, exhibits a modest variation in the lateral acceleration as
Line B, in contrast to Line A, exhibits a modest variation in the lateral acceleration as a
a result of the change in service distance. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the time histories
result of the change in service distance. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the time histories and
and frequency spectra, respectively. The lateral vibration acceleration of the carbody has
frequency spectra,no noticeable change at different operation distance, where its maximum value is less than
respectively. The lateral vibration acceleration of the carbody has no
noticeable change 0.5 m/s
at
2. Moreover, the frequency domain characteristics of vibration are consistent, its
different operation distance, where its maximum value is less12 than
Coatings 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW of 15
central frequency keeps 1.7 Hz. The lateral acceleration also does not change significantly
2
0.5 m/s . Moreover, the frequency domain characteristics of vibration are consistent, its
for the bogie frame, and the maximum value is less than 1 m/s2.
central frequency keeps 1.7 Hz. The lateral acceleration also does not change significantly
for the bogie frame, and
the maximum value is less than 1 m/s2 .
(a) (b)
Figure 13. Vibration on carbody ends for Line B: (a) time‐domain and (b) frequency‐domain.
Figure 13. Vibration on carbody ends for Line B: (a) time-domain and (b) frequency-domain.
(a) (b)
Coatings 2022, 12, 1333 11 of 14
Figure 13. Vibration on carbody ends for Line B: (a) time‐domain and (b) frequency‐domain.
(a) (b)
Figure 14. Vibration on bogie frame ends for Line B: (a) time‐domain and (b) frequency‐domain.
Figure 14. Vibration on bogie frame ends for Line B: (a) time-domain and (b) frequency-domain.
It is proposed in this paper that an engineering model established by Ekberg et al. [25]
It is proposed in this paper that an engineering model established by Ekberg et al.
be used to evaluate the potential RCF problems. The surface fatigue index FIsurf is used to
[25] be used to evaluate the potential RCF problems. The surface fatigue index FIsurf is used
anticipate the occurrence of surface fatigue flaws on a surface.
to anticipate the occurrence of surface fatigue flaws on a surface.
2πabk
FIsur f = µ − (2)
3Fz
where µ is the traction coefficient, a, and b are the semiaxes of the contact patch, Fz is the
normal force magnitude, and k is the yield stress in pure shear, which is 584 MPa in the
high-speed railway. The contact patch traction coefficient, is defined as the quotient of
the tangential and normal forces in the contact patchTraction coefficient is defined as the
symbol of tangential and normal forces:
q
Tx 2 + Ty 2
µ= (3)
Fz
where Fx , Fy is the longitudinal, lateral creep forces, respectively. If the inequality FIsur f > 0,
fatigue damage will occur.
The influence of RCF on vehicle dynamic performance is investigated here, where two
different curve radius 1000 m and 600 m are chosen here, and the track irregularity is not
considered in the calculation. The rolling contact fatigue index of the outer and inner rail for
the guide wheel is shown in Figure 15. As shown in Figure 15a, the FIsurf is positive in the
inner rail with a curve radius 1000 m, this may lead to the rolling contact fatigue cracks on
two different curve radius 1000 m and 600 m are chosen here, and the track irregularity
not considered in the calculation. The rolling contact fatigue index of the outer and inn
rail for the guide wheel is shown in Figure 15. As shown in Figure 15a, the FIsurf is positiv
in the inner rail with a curve radius 1000 m, this may lead to the rolling contact fatigu
cracks on wheel surface. This is caused by the fact that the lateral wheelset displaceme
Coatings 2022, 12, 1333 on the curves is about 9 mm, and two contact points occur on the outer rail, where one
12 of 14
which occurs at the flange. Consequently, the FIsurf of the outer rail is larger. The norm
force and contact area diminish to a considerable amount as wheel wear progresses, ther
fore the surface fatigue index rises. In addition, Figure 15b illustrates that the FIsurf of th
wheel surface. This is caused by the fact that the lateral wheelset displacement on the curves
radius 1000 m is negative, while the FIsurf of radius 600 m is positive. This indicates th
is about 9 mm, and two contact points occur on the outer rail, where one of which occurs at
the possibility of the wheel forming rolling contact fatigue crack on the curve with radiu
the flange. Consequently, the FIsurf of the outer rail is larger. The normal force and contact
600 m is slightly greater than that of the radius 1000 m. Furthermore, the FIsurf progre
area diminish to a considerable amount as wheel wear progresses, therefore the surface
sively rises with wheel wear, especially the running distance is greater than 152,000 km
fatigue index rises. In surf
the FI addition, Figure 15b illustrates that the FIsurf of the radius 1000 m is
changes from negative to positive, and the possibility of rolling contact fatigu
negative, while the FI surf of radius 600 m is positive. This indicates that the possibility of
crack increases under long‐term action.
the wheel forming rolling contact fatigue crack on the curve with radius 600 m is slightly
It could speed up the growth and occurrence of RCF on both the up and down slop
of the radius 1000 m. Furthermore, the FIsurf progressively rises with
greater than thatbecause the lateral slip. RCF may also be influenced by the worse geometry match at th
wheel wear, especially the running distance is greater than 152,000 km, the FIsurf changes surf of th
hollow’s outer edges, which has a sharper contact geometry. Additionally, the FI
from negative to Line B is small, so the possibility of a fatigue crack is less.
positive, and the possibility of rolling contact fatigue crack increases under
long-term action.
0.3 0.2 0km
0km
57,000km
54,000km
113,000km
0.2 101,000km 0.1 152,000km
152,000km 218,000km
0.1 218,000km 0.0
FIsurf
FIsurf
0.0 -0.1
-0.1 -0.2
-0.2 -0.3
R1000 R600 R1000 R600 R1000 R600 R1000 R600
Inner rail Outer rail
Inner rail Outer rail
Radius [m]
Radius[m]
(a) (b)
5. Conclusions
This article illustrates the progression of wheel wear on high-speed trains at 250 km/h
on two railway lines. Experimental and numerical analysis were used to investigate the
impacts of wheel wear and its influence on vehicle dynamics.
(1) The initial wheel-rail profiles significantly influence the wheel wear pattern, the
thin rim wheel has uniform wear, and other wheels occurs hollow wear. With increasing
running distance, the equivalent conicity of the hollow wear wheel increases, while the
uniform wear wheel is stable in one re-profiling cycle.
(2) The hollow wear can lead to gradual deterioration of vehicle dynamics, which
conversely aggravates the wheel reprofiling. However, for the uniform wear of the wheel,
the vehicle dynamic behavior did not deteriorate significantly, particularly, the possibility
of a rolling contact fatigue crack is also tiny.
(3) The nonlinear critical speed for Line A presents a trend of continuous decrease
as the operation distance increases, while the Line B basically remains stable. The lateral
ride index increased to a certain extent, and the ride quality decreased from “excellent” to
“good” for the Line A, while the ride index has a slight change for the Line B.
(4) In the spectra of lateral bogie frame accelerations, at frequencies between 5 and
7 Hz, hollow wear increased the amplitudes significantly. Furthermore, it established that
this frequency range was consistent with bogie hunting, hence verifying the reason of the
anomaly warnings.
(5) At present, Chinese railway officials have selected a predetermined re-profiling pe-
riod of 220,000 km. Therefore, for the uniform wear of the wheel, under certain monitoring
Coatings 2022, 12, 1333 13 of 14
conditions to prevent the occurrence of low equivalent conicity, the re-profiling cycle of
high-speed wheels can be appropriately extended to prolong the fixed re-profiling interval
and reduce the cost of operation and maintenance for the high-speed train.
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