Overview
The main objective of this project was to address in a comprehensive way the problems associated with the negative impact of railways concerning acoustic pollution and vibrations. Such an impact is especially significant in curves, where phenomena such as squeal and rail corrugation take place, which arise as a consequence of the dynamic interaction between the vehicle and the track. Often, both are closely related to each other and there are some features of curve squeal that may indicate a link with the development of corrugation. Thus, these problems must be investigated by simultaneously assuming the most realistic hypotheses available to study these complex phenomena.
Funding
Results
The proposed results of this project were: (1) the development of a broadband dynamic model of vehicle/track interaction in curves, including the detailed profile of the track and the wheel, and a non-linear unsteady rolling contact model; (2) convincing mechanisms for squeal and corrugation growth in curves; (3) the development and evaluation of actions aimed at mitigating the problems of squeal and rail corrugation in curves, acting on the wheel design and friction properties.