Accuracy Analysis on the Calculation Formula of Wheel Rims' Leading Quantity Based on the Trace Method

Wheel rims' leading quantity is an important index when we evaluate the amount of side wear of high rail. The approximate calculation formula of wheel rims' leading quantity is not based on the track parameters for consideration, which will result in deviation. The trace method can give accurate answers of the leading quantity, but it needs a complicated process. By analyzing the calculation results of the trace method, which takes the major track parameters into consideration, such as the rail profile, the attack angle, the track gauge, and the rail cant, evaluations are made to discuss the accuracy of the calculation formula. Studies have shown that all the results of the trace method are less than that of approximate calculation. The lack of full consideration of the rail profile and the attack angle is the main reason for the differences rather than the track gauge and the rail cant. It means that the results of the leading quantity are more secure with approximate calculation formula. In addition, some corrections can be modified to the approximate calculation formula according to the conclusions of this paper.