A new roughness parameter to evaluate the near-surface deformation in dry rolling/sliding contact

• Published in: Tribology international Vol. 67; pp. 132 - 139
• Main Authors: Kubin, W.K., Pletz, M., Daves, W., Scheriau, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2013
• Subjects: Contact; Cracks; Damage; Deformation; Mathematical models; Rails; Rolling contact; Rough contact; Roughness; Shear strain; Surface deformation; Wheel/rail interaction; Surface deformation; Wheel/rail interaction; Rough contact; Damage
• ISSN: 0301-679X; 1879-2464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2013.07.007

Within this work, a two-dimensional finite element model for rolling contact of a wheel on a rail is presented that accounts for the roughness of the contact surfaces. The rail material is modeled with elastic–plastic behavior. The maximum of the plastic shear strain is concentrated close to the surface of the rail and is mainly influenced by the surface roughness. A concept is proposed that demonstrates one crucial parameter of the roughness determines surface deformation (based on results of a sinusoidal roughness model). This roughness parameter depicts the ratio between asperity height and width. Numerical validation is achieved for predicting plastic shear strains in rough surfaces. The plastic shear strain is associated with surface damage, such as cracks and wear. [Display omitted] •The numerical model with dry rolling–sliding contact of two rough surfaces.•Calculation of the plastic surface deformation associated with damage.•Identification of a crucial roughness parameter for the surface deformation.•Important step towards understanding of rolling contact fatigue (RCF).