Damage and Fatigue Life Evaluation for Laser Cladding Remanufactured Wheel

Abstract

Owing to high speeds and heavy loads, the wheels of trains and locomotives undergo gradual but significant damage. Conventionally, these damaged wheels are repaired using the rotatory repair method; however, this approach results in large amounts of material waste. To address this issue, in this study, laser cladding remanufacturing technology was employed to repair a damaged wheel. The contact stress and creep characteristics of the cladded wheel were determined using Simpack, a dynamic simulation software program. The existing damage function model, which is based on the wear number, was modified, and this modified model was used to perform damage assessments for the remanufactured wheel. Furthermore, a life evaluation model for wheels remanufactured using this laser cladding technology was established. The service life of the cladded wheel calculated using this model was in good agreement with the design life of the wheel.