Acoustic modelling of railway wheels and acoustic measurements to determine involved eigenmodes in the curve squealing phenomenon

Abstract

Curve squealing is an annoying noise phenomenon occurring when a train runs through a curve with a small radius. To study this phenomenon, field measurements, laboratory measurements and acoustic calculations have been performed. Measurements show that not every train produces curve squealing. In addition, single locations—normally one or two—within the train are responsible for the squealing. The principal sound sources are the wheels, producing a narrow band noise due to stick–slip excitation. The sound emission of the rails has a minor importance. Train speed, running direction and moisture on the rails influence the occurrence of the squealing, but also the characteristics of the single wheels are expected to have a large impact. Acoustical simulations of the sound emission of a new wheel have been performed. The results have been compared with laboratory measurements.

Keywords:

• Curve squealing
• Field measurements
• Acoustic simulations
• Railways

Acknowledgements

Special acknowledgments to Mr Roland Müller from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) for the permission to publish this article.