Analysis of design and performance of tram-train profiles for dual-operation running

This article explores the design of a new wheel profile which can be used in a tram-train vehicle. A tram-train is a dual-mode vehicle that operates on two very different railway infrastructures: as a tram on light rail infrastructure and as a conventional train on heavy rail infrastructure. The challenges of wheel–rail interface have been highlighted and discussed, and the analysis and design process required to develop an optimised wheel profile for dual-operation running have been presented. One of the key issues in developing a dual-operation wheel profile was managing the contact conditions within the wheel–rail interface. The interface is critical not only to the safe running of the vehicle but also to maximise asset life and to minimise wheel–rail damage. A combination of vehicle dynamic simulations and bespoke software was used to allow the development of a new wheel profile for tram-train operations.