A numerical study is presented where the impact of simultaneous thermal and mechanical loading on a railway wheel tread, as imposed by braking and rolling contact, is reported. A comparison is made of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D finite-element simulations of the thermomechanical problem featuring a material model that accounts for thermal expansion and plastic deformations. It is found that 2D simulations give unrealistic predictions of plastic deformations. The 3D simulations demonstrate a significant influence of the thermal loading also in cases of rather moderate temperature increases. In particular, the combination of thermal loading and high traction is found to be very detrimental.
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