ISO 18318:2026
ISO 18318:2026 Railway applications - Wheel-rail contact geometry parameters - Definitions and methods for evaluation
standard byInternational Organization for Standardization , 02/01/2026
standard byInternational Organization for Standardization , 02/01/2026
This document establishes definitions and evaluation methods for the following wheel-rail contact geometry parameters influencing the vehicle running dynamic behaviour:
u000bu000bthe rolling radius difference between the two wheels of a wheelset ( r-function) which serves as a basis for all further calculations;u000bthe equivalent conicity function from which are derived:u000ba single equivalent conicity value for a specified amplitude, which is relevant for the assessment of vehicle running stability on straight track and in very large radius curves;u000bthe nonlinearity parameter, which characterizes the shape of this function and is related to the vehicle behaviour, particularly in the speed range close to the running stability limit;u000bthe rolling radii coefficient, which is used to describe the theoretical radial steering capability of a wheelset in a curved track.u000bu000bAdditional information is given about the relationship between the contact angles of the two wheels of a wheelset ( tan -function) and about the roll angle parameter.
u000bNOTE Out of the presented parameters only those related to the contact angle are relevant for independently rotating wheels of wheel pairs.
u000bDescriptions of possible calculation methods are included in this document. Test case calculations are provided to achieve comparable results and to check the proper implementation of the described algorithms.
u000bTo validate alternative methods not described in this document, acceptance criteria are given for the equivalent conicity function. This includes reference profiles, profile combinations, tolerances and reference results with tolerance limits.
u000bThis document also includes minimum requirements for the measurement of wheel and rail profiles as well as of the parameters needed for the transformation into a common coordinate system of right-hand and left-hand profiles.
u000bThis document does not define limits for the wheel-rail contact geometry parameters and gives no tolerances for the rail profile and the wheel profile to achieve acceptable results.
u000bFor the application of this document some general recommendations are given.