Efficient 3d finite element modeling of cyclic elasto-plastic rolling contact

Railway rails accumulate large plastic deformations due to cyclic rolling contact loading. The alter the rail geometry, affect material behavior, and cause crack formation growth. complex interactions between these phenomena require high fidelity simulations be understood. 3d finite element are accurate, but their computational cost limits possible number of simulated cycles. We propose a simulation in which wheel remain throughout simulation. It uses periodic boundary conditions, shadow elements, model reductions. Compared previous work, it is 25 times faster. method available as an open-source plugin Abaqus, enabling other researchers study loading coupled with deformations.