In the bustling heart of Beijing, a significant stride in urban rail transit technology is being made, promising quieter, smoother journeys and a potential boon for the energy sector. LIU Tiesheng, a researcher from the Line Branch of Beijing Mass Transit Railway Operation Co., Ltd., has been spearheading a study that could redefine how cities tackle vibration and noise issues, particularly on small-radius curve tracks.
As urban planning becomes more intricate, the demand for small-radius curve tracks in city rail networks is on the rise. However, these tracks often come with a downside: increased vibration and noise. LIU Tiesheng and his team have been working diligently to mitigate these issues, focusing on two key strategies: rail seamless welding and the use of higher-grade vibration-damping fasteners.
Their research, published in *Chengshi guidao jiaotong yanjiu* (translated as “Urban Rail Transit Research”), involved creating sophisticated models to simulate the dynamics of vehicle-track-bridge interactions and acoustic radiation. “We established a vehicle-track-bridge coupled dynamics model and a rail finite element-boundary element acoustic radiation model,” explains LIU. This allowed them to test and verify the effectiveness of their proposed solutions.
The results are promising. By implementing rail seamless welding, the team observed a reduction in the maximum vibration acceleration of the track bed by 0.35 m/s² and a decrease in the maximum vibration level by 1.42 dB. Switching to higher-grade vibration-damping fasteners yielded even more impressive results, with a reduction in vibration acceleration by 1.05 m/s² and a significant drop in the maximum vibration level by 7.29 dB. Moreover, the wayside sound pressure level decreased by 4.93 dB(A) after implementing these measures.
The implications of this research extend beyond passenger comfort. In the energy sector, reducing vibration and noise can lead to more efficient operations and lower maintenance costs. “Our findings could potentially shape future developments in urban rail transit,” says LIU, highlighting the broader impact of their work.
As cities continue to grow and evolve, the demand for efficient, quiet, and sustainable urban rail transit systems will only increase. LIU Tiesheng’s research offers a glimpse into how technology and innovation can address these challenges, paving the way for a quieter, smoother, and more energy-efficient future in urban transportation.