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At-Source Control of Freight Rail Noise: A Case Study

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Abstract

Controlling freight rail noise at-source can be more effective than seeking to treat either the noise path or the receiver. This paper presents a framework for at-source noise control of freight rail noise. This framework is discussed in the context of the complete system through which the noise is generated, and explained through a case study focused on curve squeal. The application to curve squeal includes considerations of the track, the wheel–rail interface and the rolling stock. It is shown how addressing each system in parallel can not only mitigate curve squeal, but can also lead to the more efficient operation of the railway. Other primary freight rail noise sources are also discussed, and opportunities for addressing these impacts through the proposed noise control framework are outlined. These include locomotive exhaust noise, locomotive idling noise, brake squeal and bunching/stretching noise.

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Notes

  1. The sign convention of the TBOGI system is such that negative AoA denotes wheels attacking the high rail of the curve, i.e. the outside of the curve.

  2. Tracking position measures the position of the wheelset relative the track centre line. Negative tracking position denotes wheels that are pushing towards the outside/high rail of the curve.

  3. Bogie warp is defined as the angle between the side frame and the bolster, which should be zero if the bogie remains square. Refer to Fig. 8 for an overview of bogie components.

  4. Hunting is a resonant yaw vibration of the bogie that typically occurs at high speeds and limits the top service speed of the wagon.

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Acknowledgments

Much of the work described in this paper has been undertaken by TfNSW in partnership with freight operators and rail infrastructure maintainers. We would like to thank all those involved from Sydney Trains, ARTC, Pacific National, Southern Shorthaul Railroad, SCT Logistics and Aurizon for their contributions and celebrate the collaborative approach the rail industry is taking to addressing noise.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Infrastructure and Services Division, Transport for NSW, 18 Lee Street, Chippendale, NSW, 2008, Australia

    Jiandong Jiang, David Hanson & Bruce Dowdell

Authors
  1. Jiandong Jiang
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  2. David Hanson
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  3. Bruce Dowdell
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Hanson.

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Jiang, J., Hanson, D. & Dowdell, B. At-Source Control of Freight Rail Noise: A Case Study. Acoust Aust 43, 233–243 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40857-015-0026-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40857-015-0026-3

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