Numerical Investigation of Elastic Layer Effects in Wheel–Rail Rolling Contact

In railway systems, layered structures could be induced in wheel–rail contact interfaces due to several causes, such as head hardening, work plastic deformation, and mechanical or thermal excursion-induced phase transformation. This study proposes an explicit finite element (FE) method for investigating elastic layer effects rolling contact. The proposed is first validated by comparing its solution with that of Kalker’s boundary (BEM) when the not present, a focus on tractive To investigate general effects, rail assumed consist two layers, i.e., top matrix material. have different moduli from material then characteristics stress, patch, subsurface stress are investigated. Different thicknesses also considered. It observed harder tends introduce larger pressure surface shear but smaller patch. A produces stresses. thicker may intensify these effects. results suggest engineering applications, analysis consequences wear fatigue (RCF) need consider using appropriate methods.