Finite element model for predicting the initiation of subsurface damage in railway crossings—A parametric study

In this study, the initiation of subsurface damage due to the impact of new and worn wheels on differently deformed crossing nose geometries is calculated using the Dang-Van criterion. Three crossings with different materials (manganese steel, chromium-bainitic steel, and tool steel) were cyclically loaded in an FE crossing model reported in a previous study to evaluate the run-in state of plastic deformation. The impacts of the wheels on the deformed crossings were then calculated by considering the behaviour of an elastic material. This parametric study showed the effects of different velocities, axle loads, and wheel types on the vertical contact forces, contact pressures, and Dang-Van damage parameters. Additionally, the ability of manganese steel crossings to withstand unfavorable load situations was observed by including plastic material behavior and considering material history, such as residual stresses and hardening.