A ratcheting mechanism-based numerical model to predict damage initiation in twin-disc tests of premium rail steels

•A ratcheting mechanism-based numerical model was applied to predict damage initiation in twin-disc tests of premium rail steels.•Wear- and RCF-dominated damages are distinguished by the depth of the ratcheting mechanism-based damage initiation locations.•A higher creepage results in a shallower damage initiation location and a shorter damage initiation life.•The initial wear rate increases with a higher creepage for wear-dominated damage.•HE2 rail steel presents the longest damage initiation life and the lowest initial wear rate compared to HE1 and LAHT.