Numerical simulation of the size, quantity and shape of non-metallic inclusions in rails

Abstract

There are several ways to improve the quality of rail steels. Among them: alloying, changing the conditions of rolling, surface hardening, and reducing the number of non-metallic inclusions. The high content of non-metallic inclusions in the material is one of the most common causes of rail failure during operation. This problem is especially relevant for regions with low temperatures, for example, Siberia, the Far East, regions of the North. Since the durability of rail steel directly depends on the size, quantity, and shape of non-metallic inclusions, they must be strictly controlled. Requirements for the content of non-metallic inclusions in the material are given in Russian and foreign standards, some of which are outdated today and require clarification. This can be done through experimental research. However, they will require a significant investment of time and money. Meanwhile, the influence of inclusions on the durability of the material can be determined using digital modeling, which is widely used to optimize technological processes in various fields of mechanical engineering. Thanks to digitalization, it is now possible to predict the behavior of a material under certain conditions without costly experiments. This not only saves resources but also makes the analysis process more accessible and intuitive.