Abstract
To evaluate running stability, equivalent conicity was computed by considering the combination of a new rail profile and arc wheel profile (for Shinkansen). The new rail profile was obtained by applying the radius of curvature of the top surface of a JIS 50kgN rail, 300 mm. The computation results when using the new rail showed small equivalent conicity and high running stability regardless of the degree of wear of the wheel. Furthermore, results from vehicle dynamics simulations showed that the new rail was endowed with running characteristics equivalent to those of JIS 60kg rail, and no evidence was found of any significant influence on running safety.
