The effect of anisotropy on crack propagation in pearlitic rail steel
Journal article, 2014

One of the main sources of damage %caused by Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF)in railway components is the large plastic deformations that accumulate in the surface layer under rolling contact loading. Large irreversible deformations in components made of pearlitic steel induce anisotropy in mechanical properties of the material in the surface layer. In the present work the influence of the anisotropic layer on propagation of cracks in rail head is investigated. Based on the concept of material forces, a computational framework for simulation of propagation of planar cracks is formulated where the propagation rate is linked to a crack-driving force. An anisotropic fracture surface model is employed to capture the effect of changes in the resistance against crack propagation in different directions and depths in the surface layer. Results of simulations for cases with different characteristics in the surface layer show that the anisotropic layer has a substantial influence on the crack path.

Anisotropy

Rolling contact fatigue

Material forces

Crack propagation

Author

NASIM LARIJANI

Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Material and Computational Mechanics

Jim Brouzoulis

Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Material and Computational Mechanics

Martin Schilke

Chalmers, Materials and Manufacturing Technology, Materials Technology

Magnus Ekh

Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Material and Computational Mechanics

Wear

0043-1648 (ISSN)

Vol. 314 1-2 57-68

Subject Categories

Mechanical Engineering

Areas of Advance

Transport

Materials Science

DOI

10.1016/j.wear.2013.11.034

More information

Latest update

11/26/2019