Abstract: Based on the finite element method (FEM) and non-steady heat transfer equation, a three-dimensional (3D) numerical model is put forward to analyze the frictional temperature of wheel/rail under the wheel complete slides on the rail. The effect of the slide speed and the wheel load and the friction confection on the temperature field near the contact patch of wheel and rail is investigated. The heat-convection between the wheel/rail with the ambient, and heat transfer between the wheel and rail through the contact surfaces, are taken into account. The numerical result indicates that the wheel load, slide speed and friction coefficient have visible influence on the wheel/rail surface temperature field, their thermally affected zone(TAZ). Wheel load has a significant effect on the amplitude of the maximum surface temperature and the size of TAZ. The faster the wheel sliding speed is, the shallower TAZ in the vertical direction, the wider TAZ in the lateral direction become. The larger coefficient of friction is, the larger TAZ becomes.

Key words: Finite element method, Frictional temperature rising, Heat transfer, Wheel/rail contact, damage source location, SNR, steel plate, time reversal focusing, AE testing