Wheel Profile Evolution Analyses Based on Measured Field Data

The evolution of three different types of initial wheel profiles in a train with motor and trailer bogies has been investigated. Therefore, wheel profile measurements have been carried out regularly within a wheel re-profiling interval. The wear volume develops in average linearly as a function of mileage. The analysis show, that the initial profile shape and the position where the wheels are located along the train does not significantly influence how the wear volume develops. Furthermore, only little differences were observed when comparing motor and trailer bogies. The same is true for the wear distribution along the profile at the end of the re-profiling interval, although the flange wear of the wheels in the motor bogies is slightly higher. In contrast to this findings the equivalent conicity behaves different. Its development as a function of mileage depends highly on the initial profile shape. Furthermore, it always shows a non-linear s-shaped characteristic. The results of this work are an important basis to develop an advanced methodology which is able to predict the evolution of wheel profiles in an accurate but still efficient way.