WHEEL RAIL ROLLING-CONTACT THEORY

In this paper the theory of rolling contact is surveyed after a development of over 60 years. Six theories are significant at present: (1) the two-dimensional theory of Carter (1926); (2) the linear theory (Kalker 1967); (3) the complete theory (CONTACT, Kalker 1983-1990); (4) the British Rail Table Book (ca. 1980); (5) the theory of Shen, Hendrick and Elkins (1984); (6) the simplified theory (Kalker, 1973-1989). Their operation, scope and limitations will be discussed, and it will be indicated to which problem(s) of wheel-rail technology each of these theories is best suited.