A holistic model of wheel tread life

Research Project, 2024 – 2029

The aim of this project is to develop and calibrate/validate a holistic simulation modelfor prediction of wheel tread damage (wear, RCF, thermal cracks etc) using numericalmodelling that has been validated to brake-roller-rig testing and results from field tests.The model should consider operating conditions, such as climate, mileage, brakingstrategies, etc., wear and damage caused by the contact between wheels and rails, aswell as various block brakes. The work builds on previous efforts in CHAREMCprojects MU21, SD7, SD8, SD10 and SD11 in which damage and degradation fromblock brakes and disc brakes have been numerically investigated using models basedon results from both brake test rigs and field tests. The purpose of the model is to beused as a tool in the evaluation of new braking functions and braking strategies to bettermake an overall assessment of the impact of new solutions. The model can also be usedto optimise wheel–rail and wheel–brake systems. One specific focus will be on the assessment of braking performance in winter
conditions, which is known to be sensitive to the implementation of winter-driving instructions. One specific focus will be on the assessment of braking performance in winter conditions, which is known to be sensitive to the implementation of winter-driving instructions. Previous work has identified a time delay from onset of brake normal force until onset of brake friction forces, which constitutes a precursor / warning of prolonged braking distances.