Skirts and barriers for reduction of wayside noise from railway vehicles—an experimental investigation with application to the BR185 locomotive

An experimental investigation to determine the noise reduction efficiency of a number of combinations of vehicle mounted noise skirts and trackside low barriers has been carried out. A 1:4-scale mock-up of the German BR185 locomotive was built. Special care was taken to achieve a realistic representation of the wheel/rail sources, using rotating acoustic source wheels able to imitate the radiation from structural modes and acoustic rail ducts with independently adjustable vertical and lateral slots. The acoustic insertion loss (IL) equivalent to a full-scale microphone position at 25 m distance from the track was determined for the different source components separately. The total IL was obtained from sound power spectra calculated with the TWINS software. Results for the design speed (v=120 km/h) and a case with a lower speed (v=100 km/h) are presented to illustrate the effect of speed on the acoustic IL. The tests were performed in open-air free field conditions. The experimental procedure used in the present investigation gives detailed information on the relative contributions from different source components, which is valuable for further design studies. For the eight combinations reported here, the overall reduction achieved was in agreement with results in the literature. The IL was 2-3 dB(A) for cases with only vehicle skirts and the case with only low track barriers. The combined configurations had insertion losses of 7-13 dB(A).     

Experimental analysis of wheel noise emission as a function of the contact point location

Recent analyses show that the wheel noise emission depends on the lateral position of the contact patch area on the wheel tyre. This displacement from the nominal position is such that different wheel modes are excited, resulting in a different frequency and amplitude composition of the wheel related noise component. In this paper the results of a test programme held on the ETR500 Italian high-speed train are shown. Thanks to a special device mounted under the axle box comprising a microphone and a windshield, it has been possible to measure the wheel noise continuously up to 300 km/h in tangent track and in curves. The behaviour of wheels in different condition of line curvature is shown, together with the results from a new type of constrained layer damped wheel.     

A HYBRID MODEL FOR THE NOISE GENERATION DUE TO RAILWAY WHEEL FLATS

A numerical model is developed to predict the wheel/rail dynamic interaction occurring due to excitation by wheel flats. A relative displacement excitation is introduced between the wheel and rail that differs from the geometric form of the wheel flat due to the finite curvature of the wheel. To allow for the non-linearity of the contact spring and the possibility of loss of contact between the wheel and the rail, a time-domain model is used to calculate the interaction force. This includes simplified dynamic models of the wheel and the track. In order to predict the consequent noise radiation, the wheel/rail interaction force is transformed into the frequency domain and then converted back to an equivalent roughness spectrum. This spectrum is used as the input to a linear, frequency-domain model of wheel/rail interaction to predict the noise. The noise level due to wheel flat excitation is found to increase with the train speed V at a rate of about 20 log₀V whereas rolling noise due to roughness excitation generally increases at about 30 log₀V. For all speeds up to at least 200 km/h the noise from typical flats exceeds that due to normal levels of roughness. When the wheel load is doubled the predicted impact noise increases by about 3 dB.     

A reduced-scale railway noise barrier's insertion loss and absorption coefficients: comparison of field measurements and predictions

In situ testing determined the insertion loss (IL) and absorption coefficients of a candidate absorptive noise barrier (soundwall) to abate railway noise for residents of Anaheim, CA. A 4000 m barrier is proposed south of the tracks, but residential areas to the north have expressed concerns that barrier reflections will increase their noise exposure. To address these concerns, a 3.66 m high by 14.6 m long demonstration barrier was built in the parking lot of Edison Field, Anaheim, as part of a public open house, thereby allowing for acoustical measurements.Insertion loss (IL) was measured in third-octave bands assuming 1/2-scale construction. The IL for three, scaled railway noise sub-sources (rail/wheel interface, locomotive, and train horn) was measured at six, scaled distances. The highest total, A-weighted IL, after corrections for finite-barrier and point-source speaker effects was 22 dB(A) for rail/wheel noise, 18 dB(A) for locomotive noise, and 20 dB(A) for train horn noise. These results can be compared favourably to IL predictions made using algorithms from the US Federal Rail Administration (FRA) noise assessment guidelines. For the actual barrier installation, shielded residential receivers located south of the project are expected to see their future noise exposures reduced from an unmitigated 78 CNEL to 65 CNEL.Absorption coefficients were measured using time delay spectrometry. At lower frequencies, measured absorption coefficients were notably less than the reverberation room results advertised in the manufacturer's literature, but generally conformed with impedance tube results. At higher frequencies the correspondence between measured absorption coefficients and reverberation room results was much improved. For the actual barrier installation, unshielded residential receivers to the north are expected to experience noise exposure increases of less than 1 dB(A). This factor of increase is consistent with a finding of no impact when assessed using FRA guidelines for allowable increases of noise exposure.     

Wheel/rail noise—Part II: Wheel squeal

A model is presented for the intense pure-tone noise generated by American subway cars and German trams when traversing tight curves. Squeal is presumed to arise from lateral crabbing of the wheels across the rail head, which results from the finite length of the truck (or bogie). This lateral sticking and slipping causes vibrations in the wheel to increase until a stable amplitude is reached. The stick-slip mechanism is described by a negative damping coefficient that varies with vibration amplitude. The model is used to predict the intensity of wheel squeal as a function of train speed, curve radius, and truck length. Damped and resilient wheels were tested and found effective at reducing wheel squeal.     

Control of ground-borne noise and vibration

Ground-borne noise and vibration created by train operations is one of the major environmental problems faced by rail transit systems. In the past 10–20 years there have been a number of developments in the control and prediction of ground-borne noise and vibration although it is evident that further research is needed. In this paper the focus is on two methods of controlling the vibration radiated by the transit structure. First is the use of floating slab trackbeds, a method that has proven to be very effective at reducing vibration at frequencies above the resonance frequency of the floating slab system. Second is to modify the design of transit car bogies such that the wheel/rail forces are reduced. Although this method is still in the exploratory phase it has been shown that proper design of the bogie suspension can significantly reduce the levels of ground-borne noise and vibration.     

On the sources of wayside noise generated by high-speed trains

A linear array of 14 microphones was used to measure radiated noise generated by a four-carriage electric train travelling at speeds between 160 and 250 km/h. Most of the results given in this paper pertain to apparent source locations of wheel/rail interaction noise, although preliminary data collected in a concurrent study of railway aerodynamic noise are briefly mentioned. An analysis of the measurements suggests that apparent sources of wheel/rail interaction noise are located (i) in the rail or substructure at low frequencies, (ii) on the wheel rim just below the axle at intermediate or peak frequencies, and (iii) on the lower part of the wheel and possibly in the rail at high frequencies.     

复式降噪块地铁车轮减振降噪特性

为探究一种复式降噪块装置及其组合形式对某S型辐板地铁车轮的减振降噪效果和机理，在半消声室内，分别对1种自由状态下的标准车轮和3种形式的复式降噪块车轮开展振动声辐射特性及阻尼特性试验，并通过有限元建模对其进行了模态计算。结果表明：复式降噪块装置可在全频段内提高车轮阻尼比，并对车轮各部位有良好的减振效果，以轮辋和踏面的减振效果最为显著；其中，6个制振阻尼片形式的降噪块对车轮的降噪效果最显著，径向激励下的降噪量为13.1dB(A)，轴向激励下的降噪量为11.1dB(A)，降噪频段主要集中在1000Hz以上中高频。该文研究结果是对列车降噪研究领域的补充和发展。     

The noise behavior of the wheel/rail-system— some supplementary results

Acoustical measurements were carried out on railroad coaches, on standard tracks and in the free field during test runs. In particular the influences of noise parameters like train speed, track condition, wheel type or locomotive propulsion were examined. Among other things, it appeared that the track conditions can vary considerably, a fact that has a great influence on all measurement values. One obtains a kind of “track profile” relatively independent of the train speed. Measurements both on the parts of the rail and in the free field during the pass-by of a train wheel, just as do the measurements of the wheel levels at the same time, indicate that the rail in the frequency range between 500 and 1200 Hz is the most important factor with regard to sound radiation. Only above this range is the wheel the essential radiator, mainly in the range around 2000 Hz. Further it could be ascertained that the total acceleration levels of the wheel rim have a greater speed exponent than the total acceleration levels of the rail. This can be important if one makes an extrapolation for high train speeds. Additional damping of coach wheels results in a greater noise reduction not only for the radiated sound but also for the structure-borne sound at the rails. This fact indicates the relatively strong coupling between rail and wheel. Furthermore it was ascertained that the levels generated by a locomotive in the upper frequency range are similar to those produced by damped coach wheels. A propulsion influence of an electrical locomotive on the radiated total sound level could not be ascertained. In the last section possible noise generating mechanisms are pointed out with regard to their importance as indicated by our present state of knowledge.     

Local control of noise and vibration with KELTRACK™ friction modifier and Protector trackside application: an integrated solution

Wheel squeal is a source of continuing concern for many railroads and transits, as well as for their neighbours. The underlying mechanism for squeal noise has been well understood in the literature for some time. However an integrated abatement method addressing the underlying cause of the problem has not previously been reported.This paper describes practical experience using a water-based liquid Friction Modifier (KELTRACK™) applied using a top of rail trackside applicator (Portec Protector^®). The Friction Modifier and delivery equipment have been co-developed to provide an optimized product/delivery system that gives significant reduction of wheel squeal in curves.Wheels experiencing lateral creep in curves are subject to roll-slip oscillations as a result of the frictional characteristics of the interface layer between the wheel and rail. These roll-slip oscillations are amplified in the wheel web leading to the familiar squeal. Providing a thin film of material between the wheel and rail with positive friction characteristics can both in theory and practice greatly reduce the magnitude of these oscillations. The controlled intermediate friction characteristics of KELTRACK™ allow the material to be delivered to the top of both rails without compromising traction or braking.The positive friction aspects of the friction modifier are illustrated by published laboratory studies. Delivery of KELTRACK™ to the contact patch is achieved with a proprietary top of rail electric trackside applicator, the Portec Protector^®. The material is delivered to the top of both rails for optimum friction control.The integrated product/equipment technology is now successfully controlling noise at more than twenty transit sites. Typical sound level reduction is 10-15 dB, in some cases as high as 20 dB, depending on the initial sound level. Two case studies are presented illustrating the technology.     

Measuring,modelling and optimising an embedded rail track

A finite element (FE) model and a boundary element (BE) model have been developed to predict the decay rate, vibration and noise responses of an embedded rail track. These models are validated using measured results. The optimisation of the embedded rail track is conducted using these calculated models. The results indicate that the optimised cross-section of the gutter for the embedding rail can significantly reduce the radiated noise of the embedded rail track. The embedded rail track using the I-shaped cross-section gutter reduces the radiated noise of the track by at least by 3 dB(A). Furthermore, combining the material parameter optimisation with the gutter cross-section optimisation can further reduce the radiated noise of the embedded rail track. Increasing the Young’s modulus of the rail pad in the embedded rail track with the I-shaped cross-section gutter can result in a radiated noise reduction of 4 dB(A).     

阻尼贴片式高速列车车轮振动声辐射试验分析

为了研究辐板不同阻尼贴片装置对高速列车车轮的减振降噪效果,在半消声室内进行标准车轮与阻尼贴片式车轮自由状态下的振动声辐射试验研究,并基于有限元法对车轮模态进行了仿真计算。研究结果表明：施加辐板阻尼贴片后,两种阻尼贴片车轮的固有频率与标准车轮相比变化不大,但对于频率在1600Hz以上各阶模态阻尼比显著增加。径向与轴向激励下的降噪效果均达到10dB(A)以上,可见两种阻尼贴片装置均具有良好的降噪效果。其中在多了0.3mm铝合金薄板的情况下,W2车轮的降噪效果要略优于W1车轮,轴向激励下更加明显。     

Noise generation by railroad coaches

A systematic analysis was carried out on the acoustic behaviour of railroad coaches. Radiation of air-borne sound as well as structure-borne sound transmission from the wheel/rail contact area to the car body was investigated in laboratory and stationary tests and during test runs at high speeds (160–250 km/h). The aim of the experiments was to find out how much the individual components of the trailing bogie contribute to the transmission of structure-borne sound and the radiation of air-borne sound. A rank ordering of the individual transmission paths from the axle bearing to the bogie frame was set up. An identification of the main noise sources and an indication of the frequency range in which they are important was possible.     

Extended validation of a theoretical model for railway rolling noise using novel wheel and track designs

A theoretical model for railway rolling noise, TWINS, was first developed some years ago and was previously validated against field measurements for conventional wheel and track designs. This model has subsequently been used in the design of noise-reducing wheels and tracks. An outcome of the recent Silent Freight and Silent Track projects was a series of novel designs that were tested in a comprehensive field experiment. Alongside this development, the theoretical model has been updated to improve accuracy and include new features. The results of 34 wheel/track combinations that were measured in field experiments are compared with corresponding predictions using the improved model. It is found that the mean difference between measured and predicted overall A-weighted sound pressure levels is less than 2 dB while the standard deviation is 1.9 dB. The improved accuracy of the model is also shown by a reanalysis of the original validation experiments.     

On the role of aerodynamically generated sound in determining wayside noise levels from high speed trains

The relative contributions of aerodynamic and wheel/rail noise to railway wayside noise levels are not well understood. Methods for predicting these contributions discussed in this paper include (i) an equation for turbulent boundary layer noise (the minimum wayside noise), (ii) an empirical formula for total aerodynamic noise based on airframe noise studies, and (iii) the Peters equation for wheel/rail interaction noise. Comparisons are made between predicted and measured noise levels for (i) a buoyant vehicle, (ii) the Linear Induction Motor Research Vehicle (LIMRV), and (iii) a magnetically levitated vehicle. Analysis of these results indicates that aerodynamic fluctuations could become the dominant source 3f wayside noise at train speeds of 240–280 km/h. This prognosis is for new high speed railway vehicles equipped with disc brakes and other innovations that reduce the wheel/rail noise contribution.     

Application of MetaRail railway noise measurement methodology: comparison of three track systems

Within the fourth RTD Framework Programme, the European Union has supported a research project dealing with the improvement of railway noise (emission) measurement methodologies. This project was called MetaRail and proposed a number of procedures and methods to decrease systematic measurement errors and to increase reproducibility. In 1999 the Austrian Federal Railways installed 1000 m of test track to explore the long-term behaviour of three different ballast track systems. This test included track stability, rail forces and ballast forces, as well as vibration transmission and noise emission. The noise study was carried out using the experience and methods developed within MetaRail. This includes rail roughness measurements as well as measurements of vertical railhead, sleeper and ballast vibration in parallel with the noise emission measurement with a single microphone at a distance of 7.5 m from the track. Using a test train with block- and disc-braked vehicles helped to control operational conditions and indicated the influence of different wheel roughness.It has been shown that the parallel recording of several vibration signals together with the noise signal makes it possible to evaluate the contributions of car body, sleeper, track and wheel sources to the overall noise emission. It must be stressed that this method is not focused as is a microphone-array. However, this methodology is far easier to apply and thus cheaper. Within this study, noise emission was allocated to the different elements to answer questions such as whether the sleeper eigenfrequency is transmitted into the rail.     

A rail noise prediction model for the Tehran-Karaj commuter train

Rail noise prediction models enable consideration of different scenarios for the optimal management of noise prevention and mitigation. This project is aimed at developing an equation that enables computation of L_A,max for the Tehran-Karaj commuter train, a type of Diesel-Electric Locomotive. The form of the proposed model is derived from equations for predicting L_A,max for a single locomotive pass-by, proposed in the manual prepared by Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc. for the US Federal Transit Administration, and in the French rail noise prediction model. The algorithm for predicting L_A,max for the Tehran-Karaj commuter train has been developed on the basis of the 50 measurements from 5 locations at distances of 25 m, 35 m, 45 m, 55 m, and 65 m from the centre of the track and at a height of 1.5 m. In the field measurements, the reference distance and the reference vehicle speed have respectively been set equal to 25 m and 80 km per hour. The reference L_A,max, length and the speed correction coefficients have been estimated from the field measurements and have been found to be 86.2 dB(A), 11.3, and 18.4 respectively. The fitness test (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) and regression analysis indicate satisfactory results.     

高速动车组气动噪声试验与仿真分析*

通过风洞试验对某高速动车组整车、受电弓及转向架远场气动噪声特性进行分析。试验结果表明,高速动车组远场气动噪声是一宽频噪声,总声能随速度的6.6次方增加;由受电弓引起的远场气动噪声主要集中在中高频,噪声峰值频率随速度变化线性增加;由转向架引起的远场气动噪声主要集中在中低频,噪声峰值频率与速度无关。在此基础上,通过大涡模拟和声扰动方程获得该高速动车组近场噪声。高速动车组远场噪声测点仿真结果与试验结果的最大差值2.2 dB(A),最大相对误差2.5%,表明仿真模型的准确性。仿真结果表明,车头近场噪声以车头鼻尖为界,底部气动噪声能量大于上部流线型气动噪声能量,其中转向架舱位置噪声能量最大,因此进行车内外降噪方案设计时,应重点关注车头转向架舱位置。     

Minimizing vehicle noise passing the street bumps using Genetic Algorithm

The purpose of this paper is to optimize noise emission level associated with two types of speed reducers for different speeds of a vehicle (20, 40, 60 km/h) by Genetic Algorithm and Artificial Neural Network. The optimization shows that the maximum level of noise is sensitive to speed reducer dimensions. It is reduced by 24 dB(A) by changing the width from 0.6 m to 0.3 m for the height 0.04 m whereas, it is reduced by 32 dB(A) by changing from the height 0.055 m and the width 0.9 m to the height 0.04 m and the width 0.3 m.     

Wheel/rail noise—Part III: Impact noise generation by wheel and rail discontinuities

This paper is part of a series of publications dealing with wheel/rail noise [1–4]. Except for comparing the relative importance of impact noise with rolling noise, this paper concerns itself exclusively with the impact noise generated by such discontinuities as rail joints, frogs, switches, and wheel flats.Studies show that above a certain critical train speed the wheel separates from the rail when the interface encounters certain types of discontinuities. This critical train speed is an important acoustical parameter, because the noise generation process obeys completely different laws in the speed ranges below and above it. From the geometry, the kinematics, and the dynamics of the wheel/rail system, analytical models have been developed to identify the major variables controlling the generation of impact noise. The validity of these models has been confirmed by both scale-model and full-scale experiments.The results of the study show the following: (1) at rail joints, the height difference—and not the width of the gap—is the controlling parameter; (2) below critical train speed, impact noise increases with increasing train speed and does not depend on the direction of travel; (3) above critical train speed, the intensity of impact noise increases with increasing train speed for travel in the step-up direction but is independent of the train speed for travel in the step-down direction; (4) in generating impact noise, wheel flats are equivalent to step-down rail joints, provided flat height equals height difference at the joint; (5) both the magnitude and spectrum of impact noise produced by wheel and rail discontinuities can be predicted from a simple wheel drop test. With the knowledge gained from both the analytical and the experimental studies, we have been able to identify feasible measures for the control of impact noise.