A numerical method using VAMPIRE modelling for prediction of turnout curve wheel-rail wear

摘要

A numerical method using VAMPIRE for modelling the dynamic performance of a wagon passing through a turnout is presented with a special focus on wheel-rail wear. The objective is to investigate the potential benefit for operational strategies with respect to minimising wheel-rail wear. The simulations show that the travel speed significantly affects the wheel-rail wear at turnouts and that due to vehicle-track dynamics an optimal passing speed will exist that will minimise wear.