Calibration of a finite element model of Prescale film for wheel-rail normal contact area measurements

Abstract This article presents the latest of a series research activities aimed to determine deviation originated when Prescale pressure measurement film is used measure size and shape wheel-rail contact area. Despite being an attractive solution due simplicity procedure, it well known that interaction altered by presence film. Consequently, characterizing filtering out systematic error fundamental requirement for accurate quantitative assessments. Nevertheless, complexity problem, which lacks analytical solution, hinders direct determination correction values. The approach presented here builds on corrections simpler Hertzian geometries calibrate model further use in scenario. results highlight marked dependency wheel rail roughness underline importance including into finite element models are validated comparison with experimental observations.