Two fast models to compute the thermal field in wagons with brake blocks via finite differences

Train braking is a critical operation for ensuring operational safety. During this operation, a large amount of kinetic energy is converted into frictional heat due to the tribological contact of brake components. The focus of this paper is the simulation of brake block and wheel temperatures during braking of freight trains and how they can be affected by Longitudinal Train Dynamics (LTD). The determination of their temperatures is important to improve operational safety, optimise system design, and streamline maintenance management. The paper presents two novel models using Finite Differences (FD) instead of the usual Finite Elements. A 2D axisymmetric FD model is presented and then a 1D radial model is presented, calibrated, validated and used in the TrainDy software for LTD to show how the main parameters affecting LTD also affect the thermal field of tread brakes.