Numerical Modelling of Wheel-rail Dynamic Interactions with an Explicit Finite Element Method

The modelling of wheel-rail dynamic interactions is crucial for accurately predicting wheel/track deterioration and dynamic behaviour. A reliable wheel-rail dynamic interaction model requires a careful treatment of wheel-rail frictional rolling contact and a proper consideration of dynamic effects related to the contact. Since the wheel-rail interaction due to the frictional rolling contact significantly influences the vehicle dynamics and stability, and the dynamic effects involved in wheel-rail interactions can be increased by wheel rail highspeed rolling, a systematic study of wheel-rail dynamic interactions is highly desired within the context of booming high-speed railways.