Theoretical Study of the Wear of a Reduced-Diameter Wheel for Freight Wagons, Based on Its Diameter

This paper presents the development of a numerical analysis model designed to estimate the lifespan of reduced-diameter wheels used in freight wagons based on their diameter, under quasi-static conditions. These wheels are increasingly being used in combined transport applications, where they are installed in various bogie configurations and subjected to different operational environments. However, due to the unique characteristics of reduced-diameter wheels, their lifespan has been scarcely studied. To accurately build this model, an in-depth investigation of the rolling phenomenon was required, addressing key issues in the track–vehicle interaction and establishing relationships between these factors. After constructing the rail–wheel interaction model, it was applied to calculate the lifespan of wheels with standard, medium, and reduced diameters under identical conditions for comparison. This approach makes it possible to determine the lifespan of reduced-diameter wheels relative to standard ones, as well as to observe how lifespan changes with wheel diameter, and it is observed how lifespan diminishes non-linearly with decreasing diameters. The underlying reasons for this variation are explained through a comprehensive understanding of the rolling phenomenon, enabled by the full analysis.