A study of multiple crack interaction at rolling contact fatigue loading of rails
Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift, 2009

The objective of this paper is to investigate geometric and material parameters that affect the interaction of multiple pre-existing (initiated) cracks due to rolling contact fatigue (RCF) loading conditions. In particular, the behaviour of short cracks (head checks) in railway rail is studied. Parameters of interest are initial crack angle and spacing, distribution of initial crack lengths, width of the load/contact zone, and the material properties (in particular, the friction coefficient). Furthermore, the sensitivity of the finite element (FE)-mesh density is investigated. An open question of particular interest is the effect of crack interaction, e.g. shielding, on the prevailing crack spacing. In view of all uncertainties of the material model as well as the three-dimensional geometric complexity of the RCF problem, it is important to obtain a good understanding of the sensitivity of parameter changes. This is achieved in the presented investigation, although it is carried out using simplifying assumptions such as plane strain, linear elasticity, and Hertzian pressure distribution.

rolling contact fatigue

multiple crack interaction

Författare

Johan Tillberg

Chalmers, Tillämpad mekanik, Material- och beräkningsmekanik

Fredrik Larsson

Chalmers, Tillämpad mekanik, Material- och beräkningsmekanik

Kenneth Runesson

Chalmers, Tillämpad mekanik, Material- och beräkningsmekanik

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit

0954-4097 (ISSN) 20413017 (eISSN)

Vol. 223 4 319-330

Ämneskategorier

Teknisk mekanik

DOI

10.1243/09544097JRRT242

Mer information

Skapat

2017-10-07