Mechanism and mitigation for rail corrugation on sharp curves: a numerical study based on 3D transient vehicle-track finite element model

To investigate the mechanism and mitigation of rail corrugation on sharp curves, a 3D transient vehicle-track finite element model integrated with the wear model is developed in this study. The creep characteristics of the model are validated with experimental data and the analytical solution. To verify the friction-induced vibration on sharp curves, the transient wheel-rail rolling contact under various angles of attack, coasting and constant-speed conditions is compared by using two different simulation procedures. A simulation strategy for rail profile evolution prediction during repeated wheel passages is proposed to investigate the initiation and development of rail corrugation. The results indicate that the saturated lateral creep force on sharp curves indeed excites the friction-induced vibration in the wheel-rail system, and is the necessary condition for friction-induced vibration. During repeated wheel passages, the friction-induced vibration of the wheel-rail system results in the initiation and development of rail corrugation with a wavelength of 33 mm. Coupling between the friction-induced vibration and the corrugation-induced vehicle-track dynamic interactions results in the exponential growth of both rail corrugation and the wheel-rail normal force. A new wheel structure, designed to eliminate friction-induced vibration on sharp curves, is confirmed to effectively control rail corrugation on sharp curves.