Dynamic performance of vibration absorbers for low-frequency vibration isolation systems

Abstract

The present study introduces a novel mass-spring system utilizing a well-designed polyurethane pad vibration isolator conceptually designed as a floating slab track structure. The floating slab track is considered one of the most efficient countermeasures for attenuating the vibration impacts of underground high-speed railways. The dynamic performance of the polyurethane slab track structure was studied and compared with the steel-spring floating slab track using a conventional mathematical approach based on the principle of influence lines. The study examines vibration isolation performance under dynamic vehicle loads at speeds ranging from 180 to 300 kmph. Results indicate a significant reduction in slab dynamic responses with increasing speed. Both systems demonstrate excellent vibration-damping ability, with the steel mass-spring system being approximately 18% more efficient in vibration reduction than the polyurethane mass-spring system.