Interaction of metal matrix with nonmetallic inclusions in rail steel

The stress at the boundary between nonmetallic oxide inclusions and the matrix may be calculated, for different loads, by simulation of the system consisting of the matrix and inclusions. On that basis, the nonmetallic inclusions may be ranked in terms of the risk of contact-fatigue defects. The phase composition and geometry of the nonmetallic inclusions in rail steel are determined by the reduction of the rail steel and are extremely important for high rail performance.