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Introduction of a possible approach to modelling the propagation of head check cracks using the extended finite element method taking into account fluid penetration

• Daniel Bobis
• Peter Tamas Zwierczyk

(2023). ECMS 2023, 37th Proceedings
Edited by: Enrico Vicario, Romeo Bandinelli, Virginia Fani, Michele Mastroianni, European Council for Modelling and Simulation.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.7148/2023
ISSN: 2522-2422 (ONLINE)
ISSN: 2522-2414 (PRINT)
ISSN: 2522-2430 (CD-ROM)
ISBN: 978-3-937436-80-7
ISBN: 978-3-937436-79-1 (CD) Communications of the ECMS Volume 37, Issue 1, June 2023, Florence, Italy June 20th – June 23rd, 2023

https://doi.org/10.7148/2023-0131

Daniel bobis, Peter tamas zwierczyk (2023). Introduction of a Possible Approach to Modelling the Propagation of Head Check Cracks Using the Extended Finite Element Method Taking Into Account Fluid Penetration, ECMS 2023, Proceedings Edited by: Enrico Vicario, Romeo Bandinelli, Virginia Fani, Michele Mastroianni, European Council for Modelling and Simulation. doi:10.7148/2023-0131

This paper presents a possible modelling technique for the propagation of the so-called head check cracks. The term head check (HC) refers to a kind of multiple hairline cracking in the railhead caused by rolling contact fatigue (RCF). This phenomenon has become widespread in recent decades and is still a major problem for the rail industry. The aim of this study is to create a specific finite element modell to examine head checks numerically in order to gain a better understanding of the behaviour of these cracks.

The paper summarises the most important aspects of the phenomenon under study and outlines the methods used. Regarding the fatigue-based crack growth simulation the Extended Finite Element Method was applied.

The finite element analysis examines the development of the already-initiated cracks in the cross-section of the rail. The finite element modell also takes into account the effect of fluid forced between cracks using a certain technique. The study aims to explore the possibilities of the modelling technique and to estimate the level at which the head check phenomenon can be examined from this approach. Consequently, the exact numerical value of the results might be less relevant, but the characteristics of the results may become rather more interesting.

Results achieved in the study have shown that the developed method can be used to examine the head check phenomenon, even if it needs further improvements. Overall, the modelling technique has potential and is a direction for further research in the future.