This paper examines finite element models for studying the long time frictional heating of locomotive wheels. The aim is to obtain the temperature distribution and the thermal and residual stresses in the wheel, for given conditions of rolling-plus-sliding, with the least computing effort. Initially a rigorous 3-D model is employed. Then this model is reduced to a much simpler but equivalent 2-D axisymmetric model with reasonable assumptions. It is shown, with the help of the 3-D model, that the actual temperature distribution is fluctuating and exhibits a sharp spike during each wheel rotation. For a part of the cycle the temperature is much higher than the steady state temperature calculated from the 2-D model.

1.
Bower
 
A. F.
,
1988
, “
The Influence of Crack Face Friction and Trapped Fluid on Surface Initiated Rolling Contact Fatigue Cracks
,”
ASME Journal of Tribology
, Vol.
110
, pp.
704
711
.
2.
Brunner, J. P., Benjamin, G. N., and Bench, D. M., 1967, “Analysis of Residual, Thermal, and Loading Stresses in a B33 Wheel and their Relationship to Fatigue Damage,” ASME JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRY, May, pp. 249–258.
3.
Brunner, J. P., Jones, R. D., Levy, S., Wandrisco, J. M., 1968, “Effect of Design Variation on Service Stresses in Railroad Wheels,” ASME JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRY, Feb., pp. 187–195.
4.
Hirakawa, K., and Sakamoto, H., 1981, “Effect of Design Variation on Railroad Wheel Fracture,” ASME paper # 81-WA/RT-4.
5.
Johnson
 
K. L.
, and
Jefferies
 
J. A.
,
1963
, “
Plastic Flow and Residual Stresses in Rolling and Sliding Contact
,”
Proceedings, Inst. Mech. Engg.
, London, Vol.
177
, pp.
54
65
.
6.
Johnson, M. R., Welch, R. E., and Young, K. S., 1977, “Analysis of Thermal Stresses and Residual Stress Changes in Railroad Wheels Caused by Severe Drag Braking,” ASME JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRY, Feb., pp. 18–23.
7.
Nishimura
 
S.
, and
Tokimasa
 
K.
,
1976
, “
Study on the Residual Stresses in Railroad Solid Wheels and their Effect on Wheel Fracture
,”
Bulletin of the JSME
, Vol.
19
, No.
131
, pp.
459
468
.
8.
Novak, G. E., and Eck, B. J., 1969, “A Three Dimensional Finite Difference Solution for the Thermal Stresses in Railcar Wheels,” ASME JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRY, Aug., pp. 891–896.
9.
Rusin
 
T. M.
,
Kleeschulte
 
D. G.
, and
Coughlin
 
J. M.
,
1979
, “
Application of the Finite Element Method in the Development of Improved Railroad Car Wheel Design
,”
ASME JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRY
, Vol.
101
, Aug., pp.
378
384
.
10.
Tanvir
 
M. A.
,
1980
, “
Temperature Rise due to Slip between Wheel and Rail—An Analytical Solution for Hertzian Contact
,”
Wear
, Vol.
61
, pp.
295
308
.
11.
Wandrisco, J. M., and Dewez, Jr. F. J., 1960, “Study on the Defects that Originate and Develop in the Treads of Railroad Wheels during Service,” ASME paper 60-RR-l.
12.
Weaver, G. R., et al., 1970, “Investigation of the Thermal Capacity of Railroad Wheels using Cobra Brake Shoes,” ASME JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRY, May, pp. 366–374.
13.
Wetenkamp, H. R., 1973, “Comparison of Thermal Stress Developed in S Plate, and Deep Dish Wheels,” ASME Paper, 73-RT-l.
14.
Wetenkamp
 
H. R.
, and
Kipp
 
R. M.
,
1978
, “
Thermal Damage and Rail Load Stresses in a 33-Inch Railroad Car Wheels
,”
ASME JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING FOR INDUSTRY
, Vol.
100
, Aug., pp.
363
369
.
15.
Wetenkamp, H. R., and Kipp, R. M., 1975, “Safe Thermal Loads for a 33-Inch Railroad Wheel,” Presented at the Air Brake Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL.
This content is only available via PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.