A Theory of Wheelset Forces for Two Point Contact Between Wheel and Rail

SUMMARY This paper describes a quasistatic theory of wheelset forces for an important practical case of the wheelset rolling when one of the wheels touches the rail in two contact zones. One of these zones lies on the tread and the other on the wheel flange. For such contact the specific problem of finding the distribution of forces between the tread and flange arises. The simultaneous frictional rolling contact problems for both contact zones have been described with Kalker×apos;s non-linear theory and wheelset equilibrium equations. The numerical results presented are for an individual wheelset on straight track, the distribution of forces being described for a wide range of loading conditions. The influence of steering on the distribution of forces has also been presented. This theory can be easily extended for quasistatic curving of railway vehicles and may assist wear studies for vehicles with worn wheels.