Professor David Fletcher

BEng, PhD.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Professor of Railway Engineering

David Fletcher
Profile picture of David Fletcher
d.i.fletcher@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 7760

Full contact details

Professor David Fletcher
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Sir Frederick Mappin Building
Mappin Street
Sheffield
S1 3JD
Profile

David is a graduate of Leeds University and received his PhD on crack growth in railway steels from University of Sheffield in 1999. He conducted post-doctoral research at Newcastle University focused on full-scale railway engineering testing before returning to Sheffield in 2009. He has been awarded several prizes for research in the railway area, undertaken a short JSPS fellowship at Rail Technical Research Institute in Japan, and progressed from lecturer to a full professor at University of Sheffield.

David’s research crosses several areas of engineering design, tribology, system engineering and performance of materials. The majority of his work has application in the railway sector, and combines experimental and modelling approaches.

Research interests
  • Railway rail-wheel interface – contact mechanics, adhesion, fatigue, wear, lubrication.
  • Overhead line electrification – system dynamics, and behaviour of materials under mechanical and electrical loads at the pantograph to overhead line interface.
  • Rail system design for safety and security – materials and design for improved resilience to terrorist attack for stations and vehicles.
  • Network modelling and optimisation – pedestrian flow optimisation in station environments, developing metrics for passenger experience, quantifying system energy and power demands for deployment of energy storage systems.David is Director of the Rail Innovation and Technology Centre with Network Rail, and leads Sheffield’s relationship with the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN). He is a an International Committee member for Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems, and member of the Leonardo Tribology Centre.
Publications

Journal articles

Chapters

  • Fletcher D (2010) Classical Hertzian Contact Theory In Schmid F, Brustow B, Clark S, Eickhoff B, Hiensch M, Hsu SS & Kent S (Ed.), Best Practice in Wheel-Rail Interface Management for Mixed Traffic Railways (pp. 3-20-3-24). University of Birmingham Press RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Burstow M, Kapoor A & Franklin F (2010) Crack Development In Schmid F, Brustow M, Clark S, Eickhoff B, Hiensch M, Hsu SS & Kent S (Ed.), Best Practice in Wheel-Rail Interface Management for Mixed Traffic Railways (pp. 4-19-4-30). University of Birmingham Press RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lewis R & Olofsson U (2009) Wheel-rail interface handbook RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher DI, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2009) Rail surface fatigue and wear, Wheel–Rail Interface Handbook (pp. 280-310). Elsevier RIS download Bibtex download
  • Franklin FJ, Garnham JE, Davis CL, Fletcher DI & Kapoor A (2009) The evolution and failure of pearlitic microstructure in rail steel – observations and modelling, Wheel–Rail Interface Handbook (pp. 311-348). Elsevier RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lundén R, Paulsson B, Lewis R, Olofsson U, Iwnicki S, Björklund S, Enblom R, Andersson S, Garnham JE, Davis CL , Braghin F et al (2009) Contributor contact details, Wheel–Rail Interface Handbook (pp. xv-xx). Elsevier RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2009) Rail surface fatigue and wear In Lewis R & Olofsson U (Ed.), Wheel-Rail Interface Handbook (pp. 280-310). CRC Press RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Franklin FJ, Garnham JE, Davis CL & Kapoor A (2009) The evolution and failure of pearlitic microstructure in rail steel - observations and modelling In Lewis R & Olofsson U (Ed.), Wheel-Rail Interface Handbook (pp. 311-348). CRC Press RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher DI, Kapoor A, Schmid F, Sawley KJ & Ishida M (2001) Tribology of Rail Transport In Bhushan B (Ed.), Modern tribology handbook (pp. 1271-1330). London: CRC. RIS download Bibtex download

Conference proceedings papers

  • Dong H, Tian Z, Fletcher D, Chinomi N & Spencer JW (2023) Real-Time Energy Storage System Control Strategies for Urban Rail Transit with Renewable Energy. 2023 IEEE 3rd International Conference on Industrial Electronics for Sustainable Energy Systems (IESES), 26 July 2023 - 28 July 2023. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Dong H, Tian Z, Spencer JW, Fletcher D & Fang L (2022) Control Strategy and Analysis of Railway Traction System with Energy Storage System and Renewable Energy Source. 2022 3rd International Conference on Advanced Electrical and Energy Systems (AEES), 23 September 2022 - 25 September 2022. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lewis R, Mesaritis M, Taiwo G, Marshall M, Krier P, Ferriday P, Buckley-Johnstone L, Lanigan J, Lewis S, Yildirimli K , Lu P et al (2022) IMPROVING THE WHEEL/RAIL CONTACT PERFORMANCE THROUGH LASER CLADDING OF RAIL, HIGH SPEED RAIL GRINDING AND RAIL CLEANING: CASE STUDIES IN GOING FROM THE LAB TO THE FIELD. CM 2022 - 12th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems, Conference Proceedings (pp 477-483) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Yildirimli K, Tomlinson K, Fletcher D & Lewis R (2022) SMALL-SCALE TESTING OF RAIL LASER CLADDING LONGEVITY, PARAMETER TOLERANCE AND IN-SITU REPAIRS IN PREPARATION FOR FIELD IMPLEMENTATION. CM 2022 - 12th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems, Conference Proceedings (pp 364-374) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wilby A, Corteen J, Lewis S, Lewis R & Fletcher D (2022) EFFICIENT LABORATORY TEST PROGRAMME FOR CHARACTERISING RAIL STEEL STRAIN ACCUMULATION. CM 2022 - 12th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems, Conference Proceedings (pp 62-70) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher DI, Corteen J & Wilby A (2022) ROUGH SURFACE ROLLING CONTACT FATIGUE CRACK STRESS INTENSITY FACTOR CALCULATION FOR EXPLORATION OF THE RAIL-WHEEL INTERFACE FOR MODERN RAIL STEELS. CM 2022 - 12th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems, Conference Proceedings (pp 110-118) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lewis SR, Fletcher DI, Beagles A, Ishizaka K, Buckley-Johnstone L, White B, Harmon M, Grigson C, Brunskill H, Zhou L , Kempka TR et al (2018) A Re-commissioned flexible full-scale wheel/rail test facility. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/wheel Systems, CM 2018 (pp 518-528) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lu P, Lewis SR, Fretwell-Smith S, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2018) Laser cladding of rail; The effects of depositing material on lower rail grades. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/wheel Systems, CM 2018 (pp 610-617) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Christoforou P, Lewis SR, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2018) Benchmarking of premium rail material wear. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/wheel Systems, CM 2018 (pp 172-180). Delft, The Netherlands, 24 September 2018 - 27 September 2018. View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Harrison R, Karmakharm T, Nallaperuma S & Richmond P (2018) RateSetter. Proceedings of the Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference RIS download Bibtex download
  • Sanusi SH & Fletcher D (2017) The effect of white etching layer patches on a larger rail defect. MATEC Web of Conferences, Vol. 135 (pp 00077-00077) View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Hickish B, Fletcher DI & Harrison RF (2017) Maximising passenger satisfaction through optimised train movements. Institution of Mechanical Engineers - Stephenson Conference: Research for Railways 2017 (pp 181-192) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lewis SR, Lewis R, Goodwin PS, Fretwell-Smith S, Fletcher DI & Murray K (2016) Laser cladding of railway track to promote wear/RCF, bend fatigue and IBJ Lipping resistance. Civil-Comp Proceedings, Vol. 110 RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lewis SR, Lewis R, Goodwin PS, Fretwell-Smith S, Fletcher DI & Murray K (2015) Improving Rail Wear and RCF Performance using Laser Cladding. CM2015 - 10th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems, 30 August 2015 - 3 September 2015. View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Arnall AD, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2015) Geospatial and temporal analysis of wheel slide events. CM 2015 - 10th International Conference on Contact Mechanics of Wheel / Rail Systems RIS download Bibtex download
  • White BT, Fisk J, Evans MD, Arnall AD, Armitage T, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2015) A study into the effect of the presence of moisture at the wheel/rail interface during dew and damp conditions. CM 2015 - 10th International Conference on Contact Mechanics of Wheel / Rail Systems RIS download Bibtex download
  • Beagles AE, Arnall AD & Fletcher DI (2015) Interaction of multiple cracks in railheads. CM 2015 - 10th International Conference on Contact Mechanics of Wheel / Rail Systems RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lewis SR, Riley S, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2015) Optimisation of a Railway Sanding System, Part 1: Optimal Grain Entrainment into the Wheel/Rail Contact. CM2015 RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fisk J, Armitage T, Lewis R, Fletcher D, Evans M & Arnall A (2015) Investigation into the effect of moisture on rail adhesion. Stephenson Conference Research for Railways 2015, Vol. 2015-April (pp 395-407) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Beagles AE, Beaty P, Fletcher DI, Lewis R & Temple BP (2015) Insulated rail joint enhancement: Testing and analysis. Stephenson Conference Research for Railways 2015, Vol. 2015-April (pp 463-476) View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Goodwin J, Fletcher DI & Harrison RF (2015) Robust multi-train trajectory optimisation for real world conditions using a 'noisy' genetic algorithm. Stephenson Conference Research for Railways 2015, Vol. 2015-April (pp 515-527) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher DI & Al Battashi T (2015) Adhesion dependence on water dispersion and rail wettability. CM 2015 - 10th International Conference on Contact Mechanics of Wheel / Rail Systems RIS download Bibtex download
  • Paragreen J & Fletcher D (2012) A quantitative risk assessment methodology for evaluating security threats to railway and metro stations and interchanges. RRUKA 2012 Annual Conference. www.rssb.co.uk, 7 November 2012 - 7 November 2012. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Beagles A & Fletcher D (2012) The aerodynamics of freight; approaches to save fuel by optimising the utilisation of container trains. RRUKA 2012 Annual Conference. www.rssb.co.uk, 7 November 2012 - 7 November 2012. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher DI (2012) Thermal contact stress and near surface rail cracks. 9th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems, CM 2012 (pp 470-479) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lewis SR, Lewis R & Fletcher D (2012) Assessment of Laser Cladding as an Option for Repair of Rails. 9th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems (pp 380-385). Chengdu, China, 27 August 2012 - 30 August 2012. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D (2010) Destructive Examination of Rails & Evaluation of Thermal Effect of Rail-Wheel Contact. Squat Type Defect Seminar. London Underground, 13 December 2010. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D (2009) An overview of railway research in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Sheffield. Rail Technology Research Institute Seminar. Rail Technology Research Institute (RTRI), Tokyo, Japan, 15 June 2009. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Kapoor A, Fletcher DI, Franklin FJ, Vasic G & Smith L (2005) Rail-wheel contact research at the University of Newcastle. 11th International Conference on Fracture 2005, ICF11, Vol. 8 (pp 5596-5601) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Steinhoff K & Kapoor A (2001) The self-forming phenomenon - dynamic restructuring of tool surfaces in metal forming processes. Österreichische Tribologische Gesellschaft (pp 1-4). Wien, 3 September 2001 - 7 September 2001. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Kapoor A, Steinhoff K & Schuleit N (2000) New laser surface treatment for improving mechanical and tribological properties of forming tools. Europäischer Kongress für Wärmebehandlung und mechanische Oberflächenbehandlung "ATTT 2000" (In Engl (pp 29). Paris, 14 June 2000 - 16 June 2000. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Beagles A & fletcher D () Combining crack-growth, contact geometry, and probabilistic methodology to plan optimised rail grinding. World Congress on Railway Research (WCRR) 2016. Online: https://www.sparkrail.org/Pages/WCRR.aspx, 29 May 2016 - 2 June 2016. View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Paragreen J, Fletcher D, Costa E & Porziani S () A simulations-driven approach for predicting harmful effects of terrorists attacks and to design mitigation countermeasures. International CAE Conference 2013. Verona, Italy, 21 October 2013 - 23 October 2013. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Anthistle T & Fletcher DI () Modelling blast loads in rail vehicles. Structures under Shock and Impact XII (pp 85-97). Kos, Greece, 4 September 2012 - 6 September 2012. View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D () Metallurgical background to rail failures. Seminar on the development of squat type defects on the Northern and Jubilee Lines. 20 Jan 2010, 20 January 2010. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Kapoor A, Steinhoff K & Schuleit N () Improvement of mechanical and tribological properties of forming tools by 3D thermal implants with dispersed metal-carbide particles. 4th European Mechanics of Materials Conference "Euromech - Mecamat", Processes Microstructures Mech. Metz, France, 26 June 2000 - 29 June 2000. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Kapoor A, Steinhoff K & Schuleit N () Selbstformung als dynamisches Gestaltungssprinzip für nanometrische Oberflächen auf Umformwerkzeugen (Self-forming structures for nano-metric surfaces on forming tools). Verein Deutscher Eisenhüttenleuten VDEh Grundlagen der Umformtechnik (technical meeting of the Germa. Düsseldorf, Germany, 4 October 1999 - 4 October 1999. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Alwahdi F & Kapoor A () The metallurgy of pearlitic rail steel following service in the UK. World Congress on Railway Research WCRR 2003 (pp 932-939). Edinburgh, 28 September 2003 - 1 October 2003. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Beynon JH, Brown MW, Dwyer-Joyce RS, Kapoor A, Loo-Morrey M & Grieve DG () Integrated study of fatigue and wear of pearlitic rail steels under rolling-sliding contact conditions. 5th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems (CM2000) (pp 104-108). Tokyo, Japan, 25 July 2000 - 28 July 2000. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Hobbs J, Lim T & Kapoor A () The Morphology of Cracks in Rails.. ESIA8 Throughlife Management of Structures & Components (pp 45-54). Manchester, UK, 24 October 2006 - 25 October 2006. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Kamitani S, Kapoor A & Franklin FJ () Hardness and the damage on the rail surface. 11th Railroad Technical Combined Symposium (J-RAIL2004). Japan, 7 December 2004 - 9 December 2004. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Kapoor A, Franklin FJ, Vasic G & Smith L () New Developments In Rail-Wheel Contact Research At The University Of Newcastle. 11th International Conference on Fracture (ICF11). Turin, 20 March 2005 - 25 March 2005. RIS download Bibtex download

Reports

  • Fletcher D (2010) Crack growth modelling background & KRRI specific cases RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Lewis S (2010) Investigation of rail defects RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Lewis S (2010) SUROS test on Corus weld repaired steels RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Lewis R, Dwyer-Joyce RS & Pugh S (2009) Wear steps in overhead line neutral section RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Gallardo-Hernandez EA (2009) Investigation of rail defects RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Franklin FJ (2007) Marmaray Project Phase I RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2007) Wear fatigue interaction: underlying models, recent developments and grinding predictions RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Kapoor A, Franklin FJ, Smith L & Hyde P (2006) Comparison of the Hatfield and alternative UK rails using models to assess the effect of residual stress on crack growth from rolling contact fatigue RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Kapoor A (2006) Post Hatfield rolling contact fatigue - The effect of residual stress on contact stress driven crack growth in rail Part 3: Further data RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Kapoor A (2006) Post Hatfield rolling contact fatigue - The effect of residual stress on contact stress driven crack growth in rail: Combination of bending and contact stresses RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Kapoor A (2006) Post Hatfield rolling contact fatigue - The effect of residual stress on contact stress driven crack growth in rail Part 1: The model RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Kapoor A (2006) Post Hatfield rolling contact fatigue - The effect of residual stress on contact stress driven crack growth in rail Part 2: Data RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Kapoor A (2006) Post Hatfield rolling contact fatigue - The effect of residual stress on contact stress driven crack growth in rail: Literature review RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Evans G & Franklin FJ (2006) RSSB T355 - Management and Understanding of Rolling Contact Fatigue, WP 2 ­ Phase 2 Crack Growth Final Project Report RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Kapoor A, Franklin FJ, Smith L & Hyde P (2006) Comparison of the Hatfield and alternative UK rails using models to assess the effect of residual stress on crack growth from rolling contact fatigue RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2006) Report on Water Solubility of Dried and Liquid Lignin RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Burstow M, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2006) Management and Understanding of Rolling Contact Fatigue, WP1:Mechanisms of Crack Initiation Final Report RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Franklin FJ, Hyde P & Kapoor A (2006) Track tests on rail-wheel adhesion, RSSB 1121, Characteristics of Railhead Leaf Contamination RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Dutton JT, Hobbs JW & Kapoor A (2005) Post Hatfield rolling contact fatigue - Measurement of Crack Depths in a Section of Head Hardened Rail RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Kapoor A, Franklin FJ, Beagles AE, Burstow M, Allen R, Evans G & Jaiswal J (2005) Management and Understanding of Rolling Contact Fatigue, WP1: Mechanisms of Crack Initiation, and WP2: Crack Growth. Literature Review RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D, Kapoor A, Franklin FJ & Alwahdi F (2002) Whole life rail model Interim Report RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D (2001) Whole Life Rail Model, Stage 1 final report, University of Sheffield and AEAT RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Beynon JH (1998) Simulation of back-up roll contact fatigue RIS download Bibtex download
  • Fletcher D & Beynon JH (1998) Survey of damage in rail RIS download Bibtex download

Posters

  • Fletcher D & Beynon JH (1997) The influence of solid lubricants on pearlitic rail steel fatigue life. World Tribology Congress, London. RIS download Bibtex download

Theses / Dissertations

  • Fletcher D (1999) The Influence of Lubrication on the Fatigue of Pearlitic Rail Steel. University of Sheffield. RIS download Bibtex download
Research group

David has PhD research opportunities available across these research areas and welcomes enquiries on undertaking PhD research.

Teaching activities

David is module leader for MEC448 Railway Engineering and Sustainable Transport which is offered to fourth year MEng and MSc students. He is a student mentor on the industrially linked 3rd year MEng Group Design Project (MEC307). He formerly taught the first year module Mechanical Engineering Design Skills (MEC131).

Professional activities and memberships

David is Director of the Rail Innovation and Technology Centre with Network Rail, and leads Sheffield’s relationship with the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN). He is a an International Committee member for Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems, and member of the Leonardo Tribology Centre.

Prizes

  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers Railway Division AR Bennett Premium Award for the paper ‘Studs: a squat-type defect in rails’, 2013.
  • World Congress on Railway Research, Korea, Prize for Best Paper Addressing System Interaction Issues, for paper ‘Three-Dimensional Microstructural Modelling Of Wear, Crack Initiation and Growth in Rail Steel’, 2008
  • The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Railway Division, TA Steward-Dyer / F H Trevithick Prize, 2005
  • The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Tribology Trust, Tribology Bronze Medal, 2000
  • The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Railway Division, William Alexander Agnew Meritorious Award / Clarence Noel Goodall Award, 2000
  • The University of Sheffield Herbert Walker Swift Bursary, 2000
  • The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Frederic Barnes Walden Prize, 1994
  • The University of Leeds Foundation Prize in Mechanical Engineering, 1994
  • ICI Prize, University of Leeds, 1993
  • Cameron Iron Works Prize, University of Leeds, 1992