Evaluation of thermal stress analysis and fracture mechanics evaluation of wheel for high-speed train due to the failure of tread cleaner

Safety of the wheels for high-speed train was investigated when the tread cleaner, which play a role in the increase of adhesion and the removal of dirt, is failed and stuck in wheel tread. The present study was performed on the basis of analyses of a combination of mechanical and thermal load due to the failure of tread cleaner during severe conditions. The finite element method was used to analyse the thermal stress between the tread cleaner and wheels. The critical crack sizes at the locations of wheel tread, plate and disc hole were calculated, and the safety factor in the critical locations of wheels was evaluated. The result shows that the behaviour of wheels during the failure of tread cleaner is similar to the temperature distribution of wheels under block braking applications and the maximum equivalent stress is in the disc hole location. In conclusion, the wheels due to the failure of tread cleaner can be occurred the severe situations and the sticking of tread cleaner with respect to wheel tread must be avoided if possible.