A numerical model to investigate contact status for rail grinding by abrasive belt with an axial deflection

In order to calculate analytically the contact status for rail grinding by abrasive belt with an axis deflection, as well as considering limitations of using Hertz contact theory for that, a numerical contact model (NCM) based on the local geometrical relationship between contact wheel and rail surface was developed. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed model have been validated by the corresponding finite element model (FEM) by comparing the contact boundary and contact stress distribution. Comparative cases at two typical grinding positions with different attitudes were involved, and the effects of applying axis deflection on contact behavior were investigated in detail. The results from NCM and FEM both agreed belt grinding with an axis deflection was able to enlarge the contact width of the belt and the total grinding force under the premise of ensuring required width of grinding trace on the rail. The model provides insights into understanding contact behavior under actual working conditions and gives a theoretical basis for future researches based on contact analysis.