Three-Dimensional Microstructural Modelling of Wear, Crack Initiation and Growth in Rail Steel

  • Fletcher, D.I. (School of Mechanical & Systems Engineering, Newcastle University) ;
  • Franklin, F.J. (Department of Metallurgy & Materials, University of Birmingham) ;
  • Garnham, J.E. (Department of Metallurgy & Materials, University of Birmingham) ;
  • Muyupa, E. (Department of Metallurgy & Materials, University of Birmingham) ;
  • Papaelias, M. (Department of Metallurgy & Materials, University of Birmingham) ;
  • Davis, C.L. (Department of Metallurgy & Materials, University of Birmingham) ;
  • Kapoor, A. (School of Mechanical & Systems Engineering, Newcastle University) ;
  • Widiyarta, M. (School of Mechanical & Systems Engineering, Newcastle University) ;
  • Vasic, G. (School of Mechanical & Systems Engineering, Newcastle University)
  • Published : 2008.09.30

Abstract

Rolling-sliding, cyclic contact of wheel and rail progressively alters the microstructure of the contacting steels, eventually leading to micro-scale crack initiation, wear and macro-scale crack growth in the railhead. Relating the microstructural changes to subsequent wear and cracking is being accomplished through modelling at three spatial scales: (i) bulk material (ii) multi-grain and (iii) sub-grain. The models incorporate detailed information from metallurgical examinations of used rails and tested rail material. The initial 2-dimensional models representing the rail material are being further developed into 3-dimensional models. Modelling is taking account of thermal effects, and traffic patterns to which the rails are exposed.

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