Prediction of rail corrugation generated by three-dimensional wheel–rail interaction

A method to predict rail corrugation is proposed. This time domain method includes three-dimensional train–track interaction and forms a basis for studies of rail corrugation both on tangent tracks and in curves. Using this method, mechanisms of rail corrugation related to the dynamics of the compound train–track system may be studied. The numerical examples, conducted for rail corrugation on tangent tracks, indicate that a high corrugation growth rate at certain wavelengths corresponds to specific excited vibrational modes of the coupled train–track system. It was found that the extent of this modal participation is determined mainly by the vehicle speed, shape of the roughness spectrum of the running surfaces, and characteristic geometric properties such as wheelset spacings.