Study on the Influence of Track Parameters on Rail Wear Evolution in Small‐Radius Curved Tracks

ABSTRACT Severe rail wear, particularly side wear on the outer rail of small‐radius curves in metro lines, remains a critical challenge. Moreover, the effect of track factors on the evolution of rail wear remains unclear. To further study the wear mechanisms of small‐radius curved tracks and propose effective mitigation measures, this paper examines the factors that influence rail wear on curved tracks and takes the sensitivity analysis of key parameters on rail wear. This paper establishes a vehicle dynamics model and a rail wear prediction model. The Jendel wheel wear model is employed to analyse the evolution of rail wear. The effects of superelevation, rail profiles, rail cant, rail surface hardness, gauge widening, and curve radius on rail wear were analysed. Rail profile, rail surface hardness, gauge widening, and curve radius significantly affect rail wear. Using CHN60N rail profiles reduces side wear in the outer rail but increases vertical wear on the outer rail. Higher rail surface hardness decreases rail wear. The curve radius has the greatest influence on side wear, with a wear depth variation range of 4.1 mm and a variation sensitivity of 178.5%. The rail profile has the least influence on side wear, with a wear depth variation range of only 0.1 mm and a variation sensitivity of 3%. This paper provides a theoretical foundation for wear mitigation strategies.