Friction management as a sustainable solution for controlling noise at the wheel-rail interface

Abstract

Noise phenomena generated by the rail/wheel interface can pose a major problem for urban railway operations. Friction Management can provide a sustainable strategy to mitigate multiple rail/wheel contact related noise effects including rolling noise, rumbling noise (caused by corrugation), wheel squeal, flanging noise and impact noise. As the term friction management refers to a combined application of gauge face lubrication and top of rail (TOR) friction control, special emphasis needs to be placed on the differences between the two aspects with respect to consumable products and their resultant noise mitigation capabilities. By analysing recent trial results and successful implementations as well as by referring to already published data, the opportunity for managing and controlling noise with optimised Friction Management strategies will be highlighted. This paper will primarily focus on the functional characteristics of a water based, drying friction modifier (FM) that was used in most of the referred studies and implementations. The positive implications of friction management are not only limited to noise mitigation. Consequently a wider, system based implementation approach needs to be considered in order to derive sustainable benefits for quiet and cost efficient railway operations.