Research on wheel wear evolution of inside axlebox metro vehicles

Purpose Axleboxes are an important structure that connects the wheelset with the bogie frame. Inside axlebox bogies have lower wheelset yaw angle stiffness and better curve-passing performance. The purpose of this paper to study the differences in the wear evolution law and the influencing factors of the two types of metro vehicles. Design/methodology/approach This paper established the dynamic model and wear model of both outside axlebox and inside axlebox metro vehicles to research the wheel wear evolution law of the two types of vehicles. The curve passing performance of two vehicles is analyzed. The effect of key parameters on wheel wear is studied, including the lateral distance of the axlebox, the longitudinal stiffness of the rotary arm node, the lateral stiffness of the rotary arm node and the wheel profiles. Findings The results showed that the model of inside axlebox metro vehicles improved vehicle safety and curve-passing performance. At the same time, inside axlebox metro vehicles reduce wheel wear of the wheel tread area and wheel flange area. When the S1002 wheel tread profile matched with the vehicle parameters, the wheel wear is minimized. Originality/value This paper established a dynamic model for inside axleboxes metro vehicles, then used a wheel wear model to analyze the evolution of wheel wear and the key influencing factors of the inside axleboxes metro vehicles. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2024-0256/