Index for real-time prediction of sub-surface initiated rolling contact fatigue in railway wheels

Report, 2007

Abstract A previous simplification of the Dang Van equivalent stress measure for cases of wheel--rail contact is modified. The new criterion is suited for real-time rolling contact fatigue assessment of measured wheel--rail contact forces. The only parameters in the new expression for the equivalent stress are the vertical force and the wheel and rail radii. Abstract Comparisons between the new and the original criterion are carried out and show good agreement for the studied cases.