Anisotropy and rolling contact fatigue of railway wheels

Abstract Modes of rolling contact fatigue failure are described and categorized for railway wheel treads and rims. The overall strength and endurance of railway wheels is investigated with special focus on material anisotropy and fatigue characteristics. An improved metallurgical design of the wheel material is proposed and tested. A procedure for defect-tolerant design of the wheel, addressing anisotropic fatigue properties, is outlined.