Crack propagation in rails under RCF loading conditions based on material forces

In this paper, numerical simulations of crack growth in rails are presented. More specically, this paper focus on short surface (head-check like) cracks that are often observed at the rail gauge corner. A fatigue propagation law expressed in terms of a crack driving force, derived from the concept of material forces, is presented. This model has been used for parametric studies of crack propagation, investigating key parameters such as loading and crack geometry. The results obtained together with additional investigations suggest that anisotropic effects should be included in order to simulate head-check growth in rails more accurately