Analysis: FEA, ANSYS, Nonlinear Contact, Bolt Pretension, Fatigue Failure
Objective: Structural analysis of rail fastening was carried out to determine stress distribution over the construction especially over the pretensioned bolts. Three dimensional computational model of whole fastening system was made concerning all the necessary details. Particular parts of fastening were modeled with structural solid finite elements. Contact elements were inserted between fastening components to fit realistically the nonlinear behavior respecting the individual parts interaction. The stress state in the rail fastening was fully documented on the basis of FE-analysis and the principle cause of bolts failure was explained. Delivered results and conclusions were further used for design improvement.
