Multi-objective optimisation of high-speed rail profile with small radius curve based on wear characteristics

To study the rail profile optimisation of high-speed railway with small radius curve, the side wear, gauge corner wear and vertical wear are taken as optimisation objectives based on the wear characteristics of the outer rail. Kriging theory and response surface theory are employed, and the objective functions are combined respectively for multi-objective optimisation. Based on NURBS theory, the rail profile is parametrically described, and combined with the NSGA-II to solve the objective functions, the optimised profile corresponding to the combined optimisation objectives can be obtained, and the rail profile is optimised according to wear performance. The results show that the range of design variables significantly affects the objective functions. After optimising the range of design variables, the optimal profile obtained shows better performance in wear index, wear work and dynamic performances of wheel-rail. The rolling contact fatigue damage of rail is also improved.HighlightsDirect relationship between the wear and design variables of the rail profile is established.The ranges of the design variables are optimised.The optimised profile was evaluated comprehensively by RCF and wheel wear.