How to avoid squeal noise on railways state of the art and practical experience

Abstract

Curve squeal noise is noise generated in narrow curves only, producing a sound pressure level more than 10 dB(A) higher than normal rolling noise and which is dominated by pure tones. Squeal noise can occur when the wheel cannot take a position in the track channel with sufficient radius difference to allow the wheel set to roll freely through the curve. Operational requirements such as a minimum friction requirement have to be taken into account too by evaluating measures against squeal noise. Their weight depends on the operating scheme of the railway system. Squeal noise can be inhibited by measures at vehicle level as well as by way side measures. Experience with such measures are presented and provide support to railway operators (infrastructure and rolling stock) in the decision how to tackle squeal noise effectively and which parameters have to be focussed on, to ensure a successful squeal noise reduction. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.