Study of Gouging Phenomena During Hypervelocity Sliding Contact Based on Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics

Gouging is a typical form of damages that occurs during hypervelocity sliding contact process, which would affect slider–rail contact condition and reduce lifespan of slider–rail sliding contact structures. In this article, a modified smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPHs) method with numerical corrections, material strength, and frictional contact algorithm is introduced and an equivalent numerical model of the slider–rail sliding contact systems is established based on the modified SPH method to study the gouging phenomena. The dynamic evolution processes of the gouging phenomena are simulated based on the SPH model, and the characteristics and formation mechanism of gouges are discussed. Furthermore, the effects of the vertical and horizontal velocities of the slider on the gouging phenomena are studied. The results show that extreme heat and pressure would be generated on the contact interface and the distinctive teardrop-shaped gouge craters, voids, and material jets would be formed during the hypervelocity sliding contact processes. Furthermore, both the vertical and horizontal velocities of the slider would play vital roles in the morphology characteristics of the gouges. Besides, other results, such as two gouge craters and no gouge crater, are also observed and discussed in this article. The results of this article may provide some useful information on the mechanism of the rail damage and the protective measures in the hypervelocity sliding contact systems.