A review of the modelling of wheel/rail noise generation

Summary High-frequency train-track interaction and mechanisms of wheel/rail wear that is non-uniform in magnitude around/along the running surface are surveyed. Causes, consequences and suggested remedies to relieve the problems are discussed for three types of irregular wheel/rail wear: (1) short-pitch rail corrugation on tangent tracks and large radius curves, (2) wheel corrugation as caused by tread braking, and (3) wheel polygonalisation. The state-of-the-art in modelling of dynamic train-track interaction in conjunction with prediction of irregular wear is reviewed.

Train-Track Interaction and Mechanisms of Irregular Wear on Wheel and Rail Surfaces

A hybrid model for the noise generation due to railway wheel flats

Out-of-round rollingstock wheels are caused by skidding or spalling of the wheel tread and by dynamic motion of wheels and wheelsets in service. Out-of-round wheels generate impact forces at the wheel-rail interface, which are transferred to train and to track components including rail and both bolted and welded rail joints, prestressed concrete sleepers, ballast, wheels, and bearings.To make a rational decision about removing out-of-round wheels from service, estimation of the damage caused by an individual wheel is required. Previous studies have used analytical and numerical models to illustrate the distribution of impact into track and rolling stock components. These models are compared here. The review details mathematical models and studies of the lives of the earlier-listed components, which would provide a means of determining the damage caused by impacting wheels. In addition, studies have found that impacting wheels increase fuel consumption and increase pass-by noise levels, which are a...

N. Vincent

Papers

Experimental validation of the twins prediction program for rolling noise, part 1: description of the model and method