An investigation of stress and temperature analysis at the rail-wheel contact using an optical simulation study

This study investigates static stress and temperature analysis of rail wheels at varying speeds using finite element analysis (FEA) and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. ANSYS 2023 R2 software analyzes FEA behavior, focusing on maximum and minimum equivalent strain and stress. Grating MOD in R-Soft simulates FBG sensor response to strain, resulting in wavelength variation. Results show higher speeds increase equivalent stress and strain, potentially damaging rail and wheel materials. FBG sensors monitor strain and temperature variations, guiding design optimization for improved performance and safety. Speeds from 10 to 100 kmph yield a strain sensitivity of 1.209 pm/µε for Bragg’s wavelength of 1550 nm, with corresponding FBG temperature sensitivity around 13 pm/°C.