EFFECT OF DISCRETE SUPPORTS OF RAIL ON INITIATION AND EVOLUTION OF RAIL CORRUGATION

The effect of discrete support of rail on the formation and evolution of rail corrugation is primarily investigated with numerical method in the situation of wheelset curving steadily and repeatedly. In the numerical analysis of corrugation it is considered that a combination of Kalker's rolling contact theory with non-Hertzian to be modified, a linear frictional work model and a vertical dynamics model of railway vehicle coupled with a curved track. And the uneven support stiffness of rail in the vertical direction due to discrete sleeper support and the different running speed of the wheelset are taken into consideration. The damage on the running surface of rail, concerning rail corrugation formation, is restricted to wear mechanism of rail material. The numerical results obtained indicate that the discrete supports of rail by sleepers have a great influence on the formation of the corrugation under the condition of non-zero and stable creepages of wheelset and track.