Computational Model for Predicting Fracture in Rails Subjected to Long-Term Cyclic Fatigue Loading

It is well known that one of the most significant causes of train derailments within the U.S. is due to rail fracture. Despite this fact, a reliable model for predicting fatigue fracture in rails has not yet been deployed within the U.S. The research team has recently been developing an advanced computational algorithm for predicting crack evolution in ductile solids subjected to long-term cyclic loading. In this UTCRS project, the research team will continue to adapt this model to the prediction of crack growth in rails. Concomitantly, with funding provided by MxV Rail, the research team has recently completed a decade-long series of experiments designed to provide data usable for the purpose of developing just such a model. The research team, therefore, possesses the ability to both predict crack growth due to cyclic fatigue in rails, as well as to utilize our previously obtained experimental results to validate our predictive methodology. Hence, the research team has begun the following rather challenging task of: 1) modifying our computational model for predicting crack growth for application to cyclic fatigue in rails; 2) developing an experimental protocol for obtaining the material properties required to deploy their computational fracture model (described in their companion project entitled Experimental Determination of Crack Growth in Rails Subjected to Long-Term Cyclic Fatigue Loading); 3) demonstrate the effectiveness of their model for predicting the effects of long-term cyclic loading on rail fracture; and 4) develop a procedure based on their model for railway engineers to utilize to determine when rails should be inspected and potentially removed from service for cause, thereby increasing rail safety. This project will be carried out with direct interaction and supervision by MxV Rail engineers.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.utrgv.edu/railwaysafety/research/infrastructure/index.htm
• Supplemental Notes:
  • MxV Rail is a partner for this project.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $288,888.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348340

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Texas A&M Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System
  3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
• Managing Organizations:

  Texas A&M Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System
  3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
• Project Managers:

  Stearns, Amy

• Performing Organizations:

  Texas A&M Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System
  3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135
• Principal Investigators:

  Allen, David

  Kim, Yong-Rak

• Start Date: 20250601
• Expected Completion Date: 20260831
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer models; Crack propagation; Fatigue cracking; Fracture mechanics; Fracture properties; Railroad tracks
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01960605
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: University Transportation Center for Railway Safety
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348340
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jul 14 2025 12:45PM