FEM Study of Thermal Stress Field of Wheel under Typical Braking Condition

Based on actual load conditions, the transient temperature field and thermal stress field of rail wheel under the conditions of service braking, emergency braking and ramp braking are calculated by means of the finite element theory. As a result, the inner side of web hole is in a prolonged condition of tensile stress, while the outside of web hole is in the condition of compressive stress, where the value of tensile stress is maximal under ramp braking. Furthermore, the value of thermal stress for worn 20mm wheel is obviously higher than that for non-worn wheel.