Application of a non-Hertzian model to wheel/rail frictional contact and wheel surface damage analysis of heavy-haul locomotives subject to braking loads

Purpose This study aims to investigate wheel/rail frictional interactions and wheel surface damage of heavy-haul locomotives due to overlarge braking effort and complex wheel/rail friction conditions, which has commonly been studied by using the Hertzian model in the past. Wheel/rail frictional interactions and wheel surface damage of heavy-haul locomotives are highly complicated due to overlarge braking effort and complex wheel/rail friction conditions, which has commonly been studied by using the Hertzian model. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive heavy-haul train-track coupled dynamics model is built, in which an improved wheel/rail non-Hertzian contact algorithm considering the wheelset yaw angle is implemented. The locomotive wheel/rail frictional contact (including contact forces and stress and adhesion-slip distributions) and wheel/rail rolling contact fatigue with different braking efforts and friction conditions are discussed. The effect of anti-slip control threshold on which is also examined. Findings The results indicate that wheel/rail non-Hertzian contact is highly related to braking efforts and friction conditions. Wheel surface damage exhibits larger possibility to occur with a relatively high braking load, which is likely to be eliminated by frictional wear under low-adhesion conditions with a high anti-slip control threshold. Originality/value This investigation provides a theoretical understanding of wheel/rail frictional contact and fatigue damage with complex operation conditions. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2024-0408/