Simulation of slow speed wagon dynamics and curve wear on balloon loops

Heavy haul railway infrastructure is commonly equipped with balloon loops to allow trains to be loaded/unloaded and/or to reverse the direction of travel. The slow operational speed of trains on these sharp curves results in some unique issues regarding the wear process between wheels and rails. It is necessary to mention that the train operational conditions required during the loading or unloading processon a balloon loop cannot be changed. However, in order to reduce the effects of the wearing process, various friction management strategies can be implemented. The question is how to choose the right one? This paper documents the wagon dynamic behaviour in order to understand the vehicle/track interaction processes for a specific train operational scenario and the resulting friction conditions between wheels andrails. The simulation cases conducted using GENSYS multibody software provides information on contact forces, wear and rolling contact fatigue. Analysis of the results for different friction management scenarios is discussed and guidance on their usage is provided.