Study on the prediction of rolling contact crack initiation of rail material with surface defect

The prediction of wheel-rail rolling contact fatigue (RCF) crack initiations is a critical task in rail operation, especially when material surface defects are presented at the wheel-rail interface. A finite element simulation model for wheel and rail with defects was developed in this study. A new crack initiation prediction procedure was proposed. After comparing the experimental and calculation results, an optimal crack initiation criterion was determined. The RCF crack initiation life was longer at the leading edge of the defect than that at the trailing edge. Also, the crack initiation life decreased with the increase of defect depths.