Numerical Study on Acoustic Characteristics of Embedded Track Used in a Metro

Abstract

With urban rail transit developing fast, there is an increasing demand for ride comfort and reduction of vibration and noise. Metro being the main public transportation facility of urban rail transit in China, faces more severe challenges. Metro tracks use a range of different vibration isolating ballasted track structures. Environmental vibration along metro lines is controlled by using so-called vibration isolating track structures. In doing so, many problems arise in the train track system of metro lines, such as strong vibration and excessive wear of wheel/rail systems, possibly causing vibration fatigue and noise. Embedded track is used as an option to reduce vibration and noise, usually applied for tramways. When applied to metro lines, embedded track faces challenges due to high speed, large axle load and more complex line conditions. When applied to metro lines, the acoustic characteristics of embedded track need to be re-evaluated. These characteristics were investigated through a combined method of simulation and experiment. In this study, the wheel and track acoustic radiation of the embedded track designed for metro was prediction and compared to that of a common track. The study can provide a basis for the application of embedded track in metro systems.