A wheel/rail contact problem is one of the most peculiar issues to the railway system. To know what happens at the contact points is of vital importance to research and development for resolving problems induced by the contact. Forces acting between wheel and rail are the most influential factors of vehicle dynamics and the origin of loads applied to the tracks and understructures. In this article some researches and developments done by Railway Dynamics Division, RTRI, are introduced focusing on wheel/rail contact problems such as tribological issues; friction, adhesion, creep force, wear, lubrication and rolling contact fatigue issues; rail squat, white etching layer.

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