Design of a Test Rig for Railway Curve Squealing Noise

Abstract

Curve squealing noise of railroad vehicles has been researched for over four decades. To describe this phenomenon, several models have been developed. An increasing stick-slip motion between the wheel and the rail is assumed to be a key component for the occurrence of squealing. Nevertheless, the circumstances necessary to initiate, uphold and amplify the stick-slip motion in this case are not yet fully described,and existing models need validation. However, due to the non-linear nature of the phenomenon as well as its dependency on a large number of parameters, precise in-situ measurements are difficult to conduct. This Master’s Thesis describes the conception, design and construction of a test rig to create and measure curve squeal noise. A conception of the basic setup is done using knowledge about comparable rigs built. A rig with two interacting wheels, one of them functioning as the rail, is targeted. To ensure the functionality as a test-rig for validating existing simulation-based models, certain settings of the rig need to be changeable. These settings, including for example applied normal force, creepage and rolling speed, are quantified in a parameter study. A wide range of input parameters is used in a repeated time-domain simulation of the interaction, and the number of squealing occurrences is evaluated. A 3D model of the rig necessary to provide the contact with the found set of parameters is developed. All parts involved are described and drawings are generated. The structural safety of critical parts is calculated.