Theoretical analysis and experimental research on multi-layer elastic damping track structure

Abstract

The increase of axle load and train speed would cause intense wheelrail interactions, and lead to potential vibration related problems in train operation. For the low-frequency vibration reduction of a track system, a multi-layer track structure was proposed and analyzed theoretically and experimentally. Firstly, the analytical solution was derived theoretically, and followed by a parametric analysis to verify the vibration reduction performance. Then, a finite element simulation is carried out to highlight the influence of the tuned slab damper. Finally, the vibration and noise tests are performed to verify the results of the analytical solution and finite element simulation. As the finite element simulation indicates, after installation of the tuned slab damper, the peak reaction force of the foundation can be reduced by 60%, and the peak value of the vertical vibration acceleration would decrease by 50%. The vibration test results show that the insertion losses for the total vibration levels are 13.3 dB in the vertical direction and 21.7 dB in the transverse direction. The noise test results show that the data of each measurement point is smoother and smaller, and the noise in the generating position and propagation path can be reduced by 1.9 dB–5.5 dB.