The 3-D finite-element analysis of press fitting process in railway wheel-set

Variations in the loading of rolling contact components lead to a change in contact forces between surfaces. These forces represent the main cause of rolling contact damages such as fatigue. Residual stresses represent a major issue in railway wheel structures, and it is appropriate to reduce such stresses. This paper aims to estimate residual stresses in railway wheel due to hub-to-rim and axle-to-hub fitting processes. A three-dimensional nonlinear model of stress is applied to analyze a stress field during the press fitting process. An elastic-plastic finite-element model is developed to model variable thermal loading in railway wheel. Finally, results of three-dimensional finite-element analysis showed good agreement with field observations. (C) 2019 Sharif University of Technology. All rights reserved.