The influence of different worn wheel profiles on vehicle dynamic performance and wear under traction conditions

Abstract

To investigate the impact of worn wheel profiles on wheel-rail contact and vehicle dynamic performance under traction conditions, this study tracked and tested the wheel profiles of a subway vehicle with operational mileages of 0 km, 50,000 km, 80,000 km, and 140,000 km. The influence of different worn wheel profiles on wheel-rail contact characteristics under traction conditions was then analyzed. By integrating a vehicle dynamics model, a traction and resistance calculation model, and a wheel wear and fatigue damage model, a dynamics co-simulation model was developed in SIMPACK and MATLAB. Two traction characteristics were set: both with a starting torque of 1000 N・m and respective speeds of 70 km/h and 80 km/h at the end of the constant power section. The effects of four worn wheel profiles on vehicle dynamics, wheel wear, and rolling contact fatigue (RCF) under traction conditions were thoroughly studied. The results show that as the operation mileage increases, the wheel profile changes, leading to a deterioration in the wheel-rail contact relation. This results in an upward trend in the stability index, wheel-rail lateral/vertical forces, derailment coefficient, and wheel unloading rate. Additionally, the vibration acceleration of the vehicle body and frame gradually increases. The wheel wear range expands gradually, with wear depth and area initially decreasing and then increasing, while the surface fatigue index (SFI) first rises and then falls. The 80,000 km profile emerges as the optimal choice for wheel re-profiling based on a comprehensive evaluation of dynamic performance, wear, and fatigue. This study provides a scientific basis for formulating wheel maintenance strategies.