Probing the self-adaptive grinding behaviours of high-speed rail grinding under the sliding-rolling composite motions

Abstract

The self-adaptive grinding behaviours of high-speed rail grinding under sliding-rolling composite motions of grinding wheels were studied using a homemade apparatus. The slide-roll ratio increased with contact angle and grinding load, primarily influenced by the contact angle. As slide-roll ratio rose from 0.17 to 0.83, the lowest surface roughness (Ra ≤ 3.5 μm) and thinnest white etching layers (≤ 4.0 μm) were achieved due to enhanced grinding actions of grinding wheel. Sliding motion enabled rail material removal, while rolling motion promoted debris discharge and grinding wheel self-sharpening. The highest grinding efficiency occurred at a 45° contact angle, while the best surface quality appeared at 60°. Optimizing sliding-rolling composite motion is key to balancing efficiency and surface quality.