An optimization technique to minimize rail contact stresses

Abstract Contact stresses between wheel and rail are believed to be influential in the initiation and growth of rolling contact fatigue cracks, particularly on the high rails of curves on high speed lines. A modification to the transverse rail profile has been proposed which should result in reductions in contact stress. Theoretical methods have been used to investigate the effect of profile changes on contact stress and conicity. The predicted contact stresses for the modified profile are up to 50% lower than those for an unused standard British Railways (BR) profile whilst the conicity remains within an acceptable range. The metal removal required to achieve this profile appears practical using the latest generation of more aggressive grinding trains.