Integral evaluation of wheel profile forming during wear simulation in a wheel-rail system

An integral characteristic (the forming coefficient) supplementing local characteristics of worn out profiles is suggested based on analysis of the wear profile of worn out railway wheels obtained from tribodynamic simulation. This characteristic allows classification of the profiles of worn out wheels according to type of wear (wear forming). Based on the technique suggested, the possibility is demonstrated of predicting future wear profiles using profile pairs obtained by tribodynamic simulation, thereby reducing simulation time. This technique allows minimizing the amount of turning in the central wear-off area during the restoration of wheel profiles.