A framework for wheel profile wear prediction of high-speed trains considering tread modification

Tread modification has gained significant attention in recent years as a means to address the issue of wheel hollow wear. The wear resulting from tread modification can alter the wheel profile, thereby impacting the wheel–rail contact relationship and vehicle dynamics performance. Consequently, it is crucial to understand the influence of tread modification on wheel wear. This study proposes a prediction method for the wheel profile’s comprehensive wear (WPCW) for high-speed trains, considering the impacts of both the wheel–rail interaction and the tread modification on the wheel profile comprehensive wear. First, simulation models are established to quantify wheel wear resulting from wheel–rail interactions and tread modification. Subsequently, the coupling relationship between the two models is subsequently strengthened by incorporating iterative calculation processes, resulting in the prediction model of the wheel profile comprehensive wear. Finally, the prediction method is calibrated and verified through measured data. The simulation results obtained using this method align with the measured results, confirming the feasibility of the proposed prediction method and its applicability in predicting the WPCW for high-speed trains.