Evolution Analysis of Three-Dimensional Wheel Polygonal Wear for Electric Locomotives Considering the Effect of Interharmonics

Accurately characterizing wheel polygonal wear (PW) is critical for evaluating the operation status of vehicle-rail systems. While prior research has predominantly focused on employing a two-dimensional wheel profiles, it has overlooked the combined effects of circumferential and lateral wear. Furthermore, although there is evidence suggesting that interharmonics can influence wheel wear, existing studies have not thoroughly explored this aspect. Therefore, this paper examines the evolution characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) PW under the influence of interharmonics from the perspective of electromechanical coupling. Initially, an evolution model for 3D wheel PW is developed, integrating an electromechanical coupling model, a 3D wheel profile model, and the USFD wear function. Subsequently, 3D distribution characteristics of PW under multiple operating conditions are analyzed. The results reveal significant differences in the order and depth of PW across different lateral positions. Specially, on curved tracks, the order of PW is presented in distinct groupings. The dominant polygon of the locomotive running (70 km/h) on a straight track is 200 mm, attributed to $| {5f - 7{{f}_0}} |$ interharmonic effect, whereas on the curved track, it is 316 mm, attributed to P2 resonance. Moreover, as the curve radius increases, the ratio between PW depth of 316 and 200 mm significantly decrease.