Professor David Fletcher

BEng, PhD.

School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

Professor of Railway Engineering

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

Full contact details

Professor David Fletcher
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil 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

  • Whittle JW, Rihner MCS, Hafez H, Espinosa RME, Fletcher DI, Walkley B & Koh LSC (2026) . Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 224.
  • Scott JA, Fletcher DI & Gladwin DT (2025) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 239(9), 765-776.
  • Whittle JW, SÅ‚odczyk IA, Danks S, Koh LSC & Fletcher DI (2025) . Engineering Structures, 340.
  • Abdurahman B, Hubbard P, Harrison T, Ward C, Fletcher D, Lewis R, Chandrasekhar K & Vincent D (2025) . Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 232, 112756-112756.
  • Rihner MCS, Whittle JW, Gadelhaq MHA, Mohamad SN, Yuan R, Rothman R, Fletcher DI, Walkley B & Koh LSC (2025) . Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 211.
  • SÅ‚odczyk I, Whittle J, Fletcher D, Gitman I, Danks S & Whitney B (2025) . Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2679(4), 554-569.
  • Hayes S & Fletcher DI (2024) . Vehicle System Dynamics.
  • Dong H, Tian Z, Spencer JW, Fletcher D & Hajiabady S (2024) . IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification, 10(4), 10102-10114.
  • Wilby APG, Corteen J, Lewis R & Fletcher DI (2024) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 238(8), 956-966.
  • Whittle JW, Danks S, SÅ‚odczyk I & Fletcher DI (2024) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 238(8), 1037-1041.
  • Abduraxman B, Hubbard P, Harrison T, Ward C, Fletcher D, Lewis R & White B (2024) . Vehicle System Dynamics, 62(12), 3235-3254.
  • Fletcher DI, Corteen J & Wilby A (2024) . Wear, 540-541.
  • Yildirimli K, Boschetti Pereira H, Goldenstein H, Fletcher DI, Lee ZS & Lewis R (2024) . Wear, 540-541.
  • White B, Lewis R, Fletcher D, Harrison T, Hubbard P & Ward C (2024) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 238(5), 569-579.
  • SÅ‚odczyk I, Fletcher D, Gitman I & Whitney B (2024) . Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2678(4), 118-130.
  • Hayes S, Charlton J, Fletcher D & Richmond P (2024) . Transportation Research Record, 2678(12), 126-138.
  • Wilby A, Corteen J, Lewis S, Lewis R & Fletcher DI (2023) . Wear, 530-531.
  • Dong H, Tian Z, Spencer JW, Fletcher D & Hajiabady S (2023) . IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 24(12), 15702-15713.
  • Tomlinson K, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2023) . Tribology International, 180.
  • Sunar Ö & Fletcher D (2023) . IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 38(2), 777-784.
  • Sunar O & Fletcher D (2023) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 237(4), 438-444.
  • Zhang T, Aftab W, Mihaylova L, Langran-Wheeler C, Rigby S, Fletcher D, Maddock S & Bosworth G (2022) . Sensors, 22(12).
  • Hickish B, Fletcher DI & Harrison RF (2022) . Journal of Rail Transport Planning & Management, 21.
  • Krueger H, Fletcher D & Cruden A (2021) . Journal of Rail Transport Planning & Management, 19.
  • Nallaperuma S, Fletcher D & Harrison R (2021) . Railway Engineering Science, 29(4), 327-335.
  • Tomlinson K, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2021) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 235(10), 1203-1213.
  • Sunar O, Fletcher D & Beagles A (2021) . IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 36(5), 3074-3081.
  • Li Z, Berg M, Fletcher D, Meehan P & Núñez A (2020) . Wear, 456-457.
  • Fletcher DI, Harrison RF & Nallaperuma S (2020) . Journal of Energy Storage, 30.
  • Hayes S, Fletcher D, Beagles A & Chan K (2020) . Vehicle System Dynamics, 59(12), 1916-1939.
  • Arnall A, Fletcher D & Lewis R (2020) . Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Transport, 173(4), 273-286.
  • Goodwin JCJ, Fletcher DI & Harrison RF (2020) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 234(6), 596-606.
  • Lu P, Lewis SR, Fretwell-Smith S, Engelberg DL, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2019) . Wear, 438-439.
  • Christoforou P, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2019) . Wear, 436-437.
  • Hickish R, Fletcher DI & Harrison RF (2019) . International Journal of Rail Transportation, 8(4), 307-323.
  • Hickish R, Fletcher D & Harrison R (2019) . Journal of Rail Transport Planning and Management, 11.
  • Buckley-Johnstone LE, Trummer G, Voltr P, Meierhofer A, Six K, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2019) . Tribology International, 135, 55-64.
  • Lewis S, Riley S, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2018) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit , 232(1), 43-62.
  • White BT, Nilsson R, Olofsson U, Arnall AD, Evans MD, Armitage T, Fisk J, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2018) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 232(4), 979-989.
  • Lewis S, Lewis R, Goodwin PS, Fretwell-Smith S, Fletcher DI, Murray K & Jaiswal J (2017) . Wear, 376(Part B), 1930-1937.
  • Lewis SR, Riley S, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2017) . The International Journal of Railway Technology, 6(2), 87-98.
  • Fletcher DI & Sanusi SH (2016) . Wear, 366, 401-406.
  • Lewis SR, Fretwell-Smith S, Goodwin PS, Smith L, Lewis R, Aslam M, Fletcher DI, Murray K & Lambert R (2016) . Wear, 366, 268-278.
  • Anthistle T, Fletcher DI & Tyas A (2016) . Shock Waves, 26(6), 749-757.
  • Beagles A, Fletcher D, Peffers M, Mak P & Lowe C (2016) . Proceedings of the ICE - Transport, 169(5), 339-349.
  • Goodwin JCJ, Fletcher DI & Harrison RF (2015) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit.
  • Carter E, Paragreen J, Valfrè G & Fletcher D (2015) . IET Intelligent Transport Systems.
  • Lewis SR, Lewis R & Fletcher DI (2015) . Wear , 330, 581-591.
  • Fletcher DI (2014) . Wear, 314(1-2), 96-103.
  • Fletcher DI & Lewis S (2013) . Wear, 298-299(1), 57-65.
  • Fletcher DI (2013) . PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART J-JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING TRIBOLOGY, 227(J6), 529-537.
  • Grassie S & Fletcher D (2012) Telling the difference between studs and squats. Railway Gazette International, 168(8), 36-38.
  • Grassie SL, Fletcher DI, Gallardo Hernandez EA & Summers P (2012) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part F Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 226(3), 243-256.
  • Garnham JE, Fletcher DI, Davis CL & Franklin FJ (2011) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part F Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 225(2), 165-178.
  • Jun HK, Fletcher DI, Jung HS, Lee GH & Lee DH (2011) . Wit Transactions on Engineering Sciences, 71, 123-134.
  • Powell J & Fletcher D (2011) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part F Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 225(4), 359-371.
  • Fletcher D (2011) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part F Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 225(4), 349-350.
  • Franklin FJ, Gahlot A, Fletcher DI, Garnham JE & Davis C (2010) Three-dimensional modelling of rail steel microstructure and crack growth. Wear.
  • Vasić G, Franklin FJ & Fletcher DI (2010) Influence of partial slip and direction of traction on wear rate in wheel-rail contact. Wear.
  • Fletcher D, Vasic G, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2010) . Journal of Mechanical Systems for Transport and Logistics, 3(1), 100-109.
  • Fletcher D & Hyde P (2010) . Journal of Mechanical Systems for Transport and Logistics, 3(1), 216-225.
  • Hyde P & Fletcher DI (2009) . The Proceedings of International Symposium on Seed-up and Service Technology for Railway and Maglev Systems : STECH, 2009(0).
  • Vasic G, Franklin FJ, Fletcher DI & Kapoor A (2009) . The Proceedings of International Symposium on Seed-up and Service Technology for Railway and Maglev Systems : STECH, 2009(0).
  • Fletcher DI, Smith L & Kapoor A (2009) . Engineering Fracture Mechanics, 76(17), 2612-2625.
  • Kappia JG, Fletcher D, Bosher L & Powell JP (2009) . Wit Transactions on the Built Environment, 107, 627-636.
  • Franklin FJ, Garnham JE, Fletcher DI, Davis CL & Kapoor A (2008) . WEAR, 265(9-10), 1332-1341.
  • Fletcher DI, Hyde P & Kapoor A (2008) . WEAR, 265(9-10), 1317-1324.
  • Coaffee J, Moore C, Fletcher D & Bosher L (2008) . P I CIVIL ENG-MUNIC, 161(2), 103-110.
  • Fletcher D, Franklin FJ, Garnham JE, Muyupa E, Papaelias M, Davis CL, Kapoor A, Widiyarta M & Vasic G (2008) Three-Dimensional Microstructural Modelling Of Wear, Crack Initiation and Growth in Rail Steel. Korean International Journal of Railway, 1(3), 106-112.
  • Garnham JE, Franklin FJ, Fletcher DI, Kapoor A & Davis CL (2007) . P I MECH ENG F-J RAI, 221(1), 45-58.
  • Fletcher DI, Hyde P & Kapoor A (2007) . P I MECH ENG F-J RAI, 221(1), 35-44.
  • Fletcher DI & Kapoor A (2006) . P I MECH ENG F-J RAI, 220(3), 219-234.
  • Fletcher DI, Hyde P & Kapoor A (2004) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part F Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 218(3), 243-253.
  • Kapoor A, Beynon JH, Fletcher DI & Loo-Morrey M (2004) . Journal of Strain Analysis for Engineering Design, 39(4), 383-396.
  • Fletcher DI, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2003) . Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures, 26(10), 957-967.
  • Kapoor A, Fletcher DI & Franklin FJ (2003) . Tribology Series, 41, 331-340.
  • Kapoor A, Fletcher DI, Franklin FJ, Deters L, Poll G, Olver A, Sperring TP, Roylance BJ, Williams JA, Beke AF , Wang Y et al (2002) Session IX - Friction, wear and life of line contacts in machine elements (1) - Life predictions. Tribology Series, 41, 881-883.
  • Fletcher DI, Al-Battashi SA & Kapoor A (2002) Experimental assessment of materials for indirect surface texturing. Journal of Testing and Evaluation, 30(6), 501-507.
  • Frolish MF, Fletcher DI & Beynon JH (2002) . Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures, 25(11), 1073-1086.
  • Kapoor A, Schmid F & Fletcher D (2002) Managing the critical wheel/rail interface. Railway Gazette International, 158(1), 25-28.
  • Fletcher D, Steinhoff K, Schuleit N & Kapoor A (2001) Nouveau traitement de surface par laser pour améliorer les propriétés mécaniques et tribologiques des aciers à outils : Ingénierie de surface. Traitement thermique, 328, 21-25.
  • Fletcher DI, Kapoor A, Steinhoff K & Schuleit N (2001) . Tribology Series, 39, 573-584.
  • Fletcher DI, Kapoor A, Steinhoff K & Schuleit N (2001) . Wear, 250-251(PART 2), 1332-1336.
  • Fletcher DI & Beynon JH (2000) . Fatigue and Fracture of Engineering Materials and Structures, 23(8), 639-650.
  • Fletcher DI & Beynon JH (2000) . Journal of Testing and Evaluation, 28(4), 267-275.
  • Fletcher DI, Kapoor A, Steinhoff K & Schuleit N (2000) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part J Journal of Engineering Tribology, 214(6), 597-610.
  • Fletcher DI & Beynon JH (2000) The effect of intermittent lubrication on the fatigue life of pearlitic rail steel in rolling-sliding contact. P I MECH ENG F-J RAI, 214(3), 145-158.
  • Fletcher DI & Beynon JH (2000) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part F Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit, 214(2), 93-105.
  • Fletcher D, Steinhoff K, Schuleit N & Kapoor A (2000) Thermal Implantation of Metal Carbide Particles - A new Surface Treatment for Cold Forging Tools. VDI Berichte, 1555, 243-258.
  • Fletcher DI & Beynon JH (1999) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part J Journal of Engineering Tribology, 213(6), 481-486.
  • Fletcher DI & Beynon JH (1999) . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part J Journal of Engineering Tribology, 213(4), 299-304.
  • Fletcher DI & Beynon JH (1999) . Tribology Series, 36, 299-310.
  • Fletcher D, Scott D & Cardwell BJ () . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit.

Book chapters

  • Harrison T, Abduraxman B, Hubbard P, Ward C, White B, Fletcher D, Lewis R, Chandrasekhar K, Vincent D, Chaney S , Burstow M et al (2025) , Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering (pp. 1068-1076). Springer Nature Switzerland
  • 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
  • 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
  • (2009) In Lewis R & Olofsson U (Ed.) Woodhead Publishing
  • Fletcher DI, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2009) , Wheel–Rail Interface Handbook (pp. 280-310). Elsevier
  • Franklin FJ, Garnham JE, Davis CL, Fletcher DI & Kapoor A (2009) , Wheel–Rail Interface Handbook (pp. 311-348). Elsevier
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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) , Wheel–Rail Interface Handbook (pp. xv-xx). Elsevier
  • 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.

Conference proceedings

  • Dong H, Tian Z, Fletcher D, Chinomi N & Spencer JW (2023) . 2023 IEEE 3rd International Conference on Industrial Electronics for Sustainable Energy Systems (IESES) (pp 1-6), 26 July 2023 - 28 July 2023.
  • Dong H, Tian Z, Spencer JW, Fletcher D & Fang L (2022) . 2022 3rd International Conference on Advanced Electrical and Energy Systems (AEES) (pp 475-480), 23 September 2022 - 25 September 2022.
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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). Delft, The Netherlands, 24 September 2018 - 24 September 2018.
  • Fletcher D, Harrison R, Karmakharm T, Nallaperuma S & Richmond P (2018) . GECCO '18: Proceedings of the Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference (pp 1230-1237). Kyoto, Japan, 15 July 2018 - 15 July 2018.
  • 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)
  • 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 - 24 September 2018.
  • Sanusi SH & Fletcher D (2017) . MATEC Web of Conferences, Vol. 135. Langkawi, Malaysia, 22 July 2017 - 22 July 2017.
  • Beagles A & Fletcher D (2016) Combining crack-growth, contact geometry, and probabilistic methodology to plan optimised rail grinding. World Congress on Railway Research (WCRR) 2016, Milan, Italy(PB024769). Milan, 29 May 2016 - 29 May 2016.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Lewis SR, Riley S, Fletcher DI & Lewis R (2015) Optimisation of a railway sanding system for optimal grain entrainment into the wheel–rail contact. CM2015
  • 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)
  • Beagles AE, Beaty P, Fletcher DI, Lewis R & Temple BP (2015) Insulated rail joint enhancement: testing and analysis. Institution of Mechanical Engineers. London, UK
  • 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)
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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)
  • 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.
  • Fletcher D (2010) Destructive Examination of Rails & Evaluation of Thermal Effect of Rail-Wheel Contact. Squat Type Defect Seminar. London Underground, 13 December 2010.
  • 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.
  • 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)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Hickish RG, Fletcher DI & Harrison RF () Maximising passenger satisfaction through optimised train movements. The Stephenson Conference: Research for Railways
  • Lewis SR, Lewis R, Goodwin PS, Fretwell-Smith S, Fletcher DI & Murray K () Improving Rail Wear and RCF Performance using Laser Cladding. Proceedings of 10th International Conference on Contact Mechanics and Wear of Rail/Wheel Systems. Colorado, USA, 30 August 2015 - 30 August 2015.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Reports

  • Fletcher D (2010) Crack growth modelling background & KRRI specific cases
  • Fletcher D & Lewis S (2010) Investigation of rail defects
  • Fletcher D & Lewis S (2010) SUROS test on Corus weld repaired steels
  • Fletcher D, Lewis R, Dwyer-Joyce RS & Pugh S (2009) Wear steps in overhead line neutral section
  • Fletcher D & Gallardo-Hernandez EA (2009) Investigation of rail defects
  • Fletcher D & Franklin FJ (2007) Marmaray Project Phase I
  • Fletcher D, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2007) Wear fatigue interaction: underlying models, recent developments and grinding predictions
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Fletcher D, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2006) Report on Water Solubility of Dried and Liquid Lignin
  • Fletcher D, Burstow M, Franklin FJ & Kapoor A (2006) Management and Understanding of Rolling Contact Fatigue, WP1:Mechanisms of Crack Initiation Final Report
  • Fletcher D, Franklin FJ, Hyde P & Kapoor A (2006) Track tests on rail-wheel adhesion, RSSB 1121, Characteristics of Railhead Leaf Contamination
  • 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
  • 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
  • Fletcher D, Kapoor A, Franklin FJ & Alwahdi F (2002) Whole life rail model Interim Report
  • Fletcher D (2001) Whole Life Rail Model, Stage 1 final report, University of Sheffield and AEAT
  • Fletcher D & Beynon JH (1998) Simulation of back-up roll contact fatigue
  • Fletcher D & Beynon JH (1998) Survey of damage in rail

Posters

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

Theses

  • Fletcher D (1999) The Influence of Lubrication on the Fatigue of Pearlitic Rail Steel. University of Sheffield.
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