摘要: |
The effects of simulated service conditions on the as-manufactured residual stress distribution in commuter car wheels are investigated. The residual stresses, those stresses which remain after all applied loads are removed, can encourage the formation and growth of fatigue cracks. The subject wheels are quenched following initial forging to increase hardness and induce residual compression in the rim. These features combine to render to the wheel more resistant to fatigue crack formation and to reduce the risk of failure in service. However, the as-manufactured net rim compressive residual stress may be reversed to tension when subjected to service loading, which includes tread braking, in railroad commuter operations. Tensile stresses at the wheel tread create an environment conducive to the formation of surface cracks that may threaten the safety of train operations. |