Noise Prediction Study of Traction Arc Tooth Cylindrical Gears for New Generation High-Speed Electric Multiple Units

Abstract

As the speed of the new generation of high-speed electric multiple units (EMU) increases, the requirements for vibration and noise reduction in traction gear trains are becoming higher and higher. Although most researchers have focused on the vibration mechanics analysis of gears, the actual noise has the most direct impact on passenger experience and safety. To address this problem, a new type of curved cylindrical gear is proposed to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the gear pair and predict its radiated noise based on the acoustic-vibration coupling theory using the finite element-boundary element method. Parametric modeling of the gear pair using CREO and assembly motion analysis were performed. ANSYS was used to analyze the stress distribution, inherent frequency, and inherent vibration pattern of the gear pair, and harmonic response analysis was performed using the modal superposition method to solve the displacement frequency response curve and vibration characteristics. ACTRAN was used to construct the free-field model, create acoustic excitation based on the acoustic-vibration coupling equation, set the field points, and predict radiated noise. The research results show that the noise is mainly concentrated in the tooth meshing area, and the root mean square RMS range of its sound pressure level value is 91–100 dB. Its dynamic characteristics and noise values are in line with the traction requirements of high-speed EMU, providing a new idea for improving the noise prediction of traction gears for new generation high-speed EMU, which in turn strongly support the noise control of high-speed EMU stock and thus improve the passenger experience and driving environment.