A MODEL FOR FATIGUE DEFECT NUCLEATION IN THERMITE RAIL WELDS

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Abstract
Abstract— A fatigue model for thermite rail welds is presented in this paper. The aim of the model is to provide a means for predicting the types of rail‐head fatigue defects that might form under a given set of railway operating conditions and to provide an estimate of the life consumed during stage I growth of incipient fatigue cracks. Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method is incorporated in the model so that an assessment of the effects of metallurgical discontinuities can be made. Findley's critical‐plane fatigue parameter is used as the criterion for computing fatigue damage. Results from using this model indicate that pores are the more damaging of the discontinuities typically present in thermite rail welds which also contain alumina inclusions. The shape and orientation of pores is predicted to have a strong influence on rail‐head fatigue defect formation in thkwermite rail welds.