The 3-D Finite-element analysis of press Fitting process in railway wheel-set

Abstract

Variations in loadings of rolling contact components lead to a change in contact forces between surfaces. These forces are the main cause of rolling contact damages such as fatigue. Residual stresses are a major issue in railway wheel structures and it is appropriate to reduce such stresses. The aim of this paper is to estimate residual stresses in railway wheel due to hub to rim and axle to hub fitting process. a nonlinear three-dimensional model of stress is applied for analyzing stress field during press fitting process. An elastic-plastic finite element model is developed to model variable thermal loading in railway wheel. Finally, results of three dimensional finite element analysis showed a good agreement to field observations.