SIMULATION-BASED FATIGUE ASSESSMENT OF GROOVED TRAM RAILS UNDER CYCLIC LOADING IN TIGHT URBAN CURVES

ABSTRACT: Small-radius tramway curves are exposed to severe wheel–rail interactions that accelerate fatigue damage and rail degradation. This study presents a simulation-based investigation of the mechanical behavior of grooved tram rails subjected to cyclic loading under realistic operating conditions. The analysis evaluates stress distribution, displacement, safety coefficient, fatigue damage, and fatigue life for both inner and outer rails. Results show that the outer rail experiences higher stress concentration and localized fatigue near wheel–rail contact regions and fastening zones. Although the stresses remain within the elastic limit of the material, critical zones susceptible to crack initiation were identified. The proposed approach provides useful insights for predictive maintenance, early defect detection, and service-life improvement of urban tramway infrastructures.