The primary purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of a scaled roller rig for accurately assessing the contact mechanics and dynamics between a profiled steel wheel and rail, as is commonly used in rail vehicles. The established creep models of Kalker and Johnson and Vermeulen are used to establish correction factors, scaling factors, and transformation factors that allow us to relate the results from a scaled rig to those of a tangent track. �Correction factors, which are defined as the ratios of a given quantity (such as creep coefficient) between a roller rig and a track, are derived and used to relate the results between a full-size rig and a full-size track. Scaling factors are derived to relate the same quantities between roller rigs of different scales. Finally, transformation factors are derived by combining scaling factors with correction factors in order to relate the results from a scaled roller rig to a full-size tangent track. Close-end formulae for creep force correction, scaling, and transformation factors are provided in the thesis, along with their full derivation and an explanation of their limitations; these formulae can be used to calculate the correction factors for any wheel-rail geometry and scaling. For Kalker's theory, it is shown that the correction factor for creep coefficients is strictly a function of wheel and rail geometry, primarily the wheel and roller diameter ratio. For Johnson and Vermeulen's theory, the effects of creepage, scale, and load on the creep force correction factor are demonstrated. �It is shown that INRETS' scaling strategy causes the normalized creep curve to be identical for both a full-size and a scaled roller rig. �It is also shown that the creep force correction factors for Johnson and Vermeulen's model increase linearly with creepage, starting with the values predicted by Kalker's theory. �Therefore, Kalker's theory provides a conservative estimate for creep force correction factors. �A case study is presented to demonstrate the creep curves, as well as the correction and transformation factors, for a typical wheel-rail configuration. �Additionally, two studies by other authors that calculate the correction factor for Kalker's creep coefficients for specific wheel-rail geometries are reviewed and show full agreement with the results that are predicted by the formulae derived in this study. �Based on a review of existing and past roller rigs, as well as the findings of this thesis, a number of recommendations are given for the design of a roller rig for the purpose of assessing the wheel-rail contact mechanics. �A scaling strategy (INRETS') is suggested, and equations for power consumption of a roller rig are derived. Recommendations for sensors and actuators necessary for such a rig are also given. Special attention is given to the resolution and accuracy of velocity sensors, which are required to properly measure and plot the creep curves. / Master of Science

The aim of this study is to evaluate a methodology for modeling the influence of crystallographic grain orientation on key parameters in normal and sliding contacts. The simulations of interfering cylindrical asperities, using finite element analysis, were conducted using two different plasticity models for copper: a conventional isotropic, homogeneous J2 plasticity model and a continuum crystal plasticity model. A normal contact study was conducted in which crystallographic orientation effects on different parameters were investigated. The model was then adapted for sliding contacts, which allowed other parameters such as energy dissipation to be investigated. Using crystal plasticity, the dependence of crystallographic orientation on plastic deformation and energy dissipation can be determined. The relative trends predicted using crystal plasticity are consistent with experiments that show friction depends on crystallographic orientation when plastic deformation is one of the primary energy dissipation mechanisms.

Le forgeage multi-matériaux est un procédé permettant la mise en forme et l’assemblage simultanés de matériaux différents. Ce procédé permet d’obtenir des pièces multi-matériaux avec le « bon matériau placé au bon endroit ». L’objectif des travaux de thèse est de définir les conditions nécessaires à l’établissement de la liaison métallurgique par forgeage à l’interface d’un couple d’aciers. Dans un premier temps, l’état de l’art a servi à l’identification les phénomènes physiques accompagnant le forgeage multi-matériaux et les paramètres clés pilotant l’établissement de la liaison métallurgique. Le principe de base de l’établissement d’une liaison passe par la fragmentation des oxydes en surface des matériaux et par l’application d’une pression de contact favorisant le contact entre les matériaux nus et la diffusion. Les deux paramètres clés identifiés sont donc la pression normale de contact et l’expansion de surface. Le protocole de caractérisation du co-forgeage mis en place comporte trois essais « simples » permettant de solliciter les interfaces avec des pressions et des expansions différentes. Ces dernières, estimées par simulation numérique de l’essai, sont mises en relation avec la qualité des liaisons obtenues évaluée, quant à elle, au travers d’observations métallographiques. Les premières simulations permettent de dimensionner les campagnes expérimentales. Celles-ci sont ensuite conduites sur les moyens de mise en forme de la plateforme VULCAIN. Les efforts de mise en forme et la géométrie globale des pièces et la répartition de matière servent de base à l’identification des paramètres de la simulation. La simulation ainsi obtenue et les observations métallographiques aux interfaces sont ensuite mises en lien. Cette démarche a permis de confirmer l’importance du rôle joué par la pression de contact et l’expansion de surface sur l’établissement d’une liaison au cours de la mise en forme du multi-matériaux. La répartition et la forme des particules d’oxydes semblent liées au chemin thermomécanique subi par l’interface. / The multi-material forging is a forming process allowing, simultaneously, the welding and shaping of multi-material parts with the right material at the right place. The purpose of the presented work is to identify the necessary conditions to obtain a metallurgical bond during forming between two different grades of steel. First, the state of the art allowed the identification of the physical phenomena occurring during multi-material forging and the determination of the key parameters of the bonding which are the contact pressure and the surface expansion at the both sides of the interface. The mechanisms to establish metallurgical bond by forging are based on the breaking and the dispersion of the oxide layer at the interface then the extrusion of the soft material through the voids generated between the oxide fragments. Second, the characterization methodology of this work is presented. It consists of three “simple” forming tests leading to different interface conditions (contact pressure and surface expansion). The first simulations allow the design of the experimental plan for each test. The comparison between simulations and experiments allows the identification of physical parameters of the simulation. Then, the contact pressure and the surface expansion of the identified simulations are used to analyze the metallographic structure and the bonding at the interface.The developed work confirms the major effect of the contact pressure and the surface expansion on the establishment of a metallurgical bond during multi-material forming. The size and the shape of the oxide particles seem to depend on the thermomechanical path at the interface.