Numerical investigation on the rolling contact wear and fatigue of laser dispersed quenched U71Mn rail

The influences of laser dispersed quenching (LDQ) technology on the rolling contact wear and fatigue of U71Mn rail were investigated numerically. Firstly, based on the improved Abdel Karim-Ohno's material model, a threedimensional elasto-plastic model with of LDQ rail was established, and the moving load method was used to apply the equivalent contact load. Subsequently, combined with the ductility exhaustion theory and Smith-Watson-Topper fatigue assessment method, the rolling contact wear and fatigue performances of U71Mn rail were investigated, respectively. The results show that the LDQ treatment has little effect on fatigue crack initiation life, but can significantly improve wear resistance of rails.