Wheel-flat detection on trams using envelope analysis with Hilbert transform

Tomasz Nowakowski,Franciszek Tomaszewski,Paweł Komorski,Grzegorz M Szymański

doi:10.1590/1679-78255010

Tomasz Nowakowski, Franciszek Tomaszewski + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1679-78255010

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Abstract

Abstract The wheel-flat defect is one of the many issues decreasing the level of and comfort in light rail vehicles. The two main causes of wheel-flats are temporary or complete wheel blocking. The negative effect is the increase of the dynamic phenomenons in the wheel-rail interaction, which are impulsive in their nature. It could prove to be dangerous for the safety of the ride. Therefore, a regular wheel surface monitoring and wheel-flats detecting would be well-founded to the fast detection of a flat point and to take remedial measures. The main aim of the article is to present the algorithm, according to which the wheel-flat detection during tram passage is possible. Several vibration transducers were mounted on the rail and measured vibration amplitude during trams pass-by. The proposed method is based on the vibration signal processing in the time and frequency domain. The Hilbert transform was used in the algorithm and all research analyses. The carried out experimental study and the analysis of the results of the method, show a high efficiency in the wheel flat detection.

Highlights

User requirements for the new public transport vehicles - both owners, residents and passengers - primarily concern reliable implementation of the transport process and the provision of vibroacoustic comfort
Envelope analysis allows for extraction of a signal envelope containing a low frequency modulation, which corresponds to cyclical impulses, indicating a flat spot on a wheel
The method presented in this research paper points out a large equivalence in the interpretation of the outcomes and the efficiency in detecting flat spots on the wheels, verified in the real-life exploitation

Summary

Introduction

User requirements for the new public transport vehicles - both owners, residents and passengers - primarily concern reliable implementation of the transport process and the provision of vibroacoustic comfort. This is related to reduction of undesirable vibrations that may reduce durability of a tram’s and tracks’ elements. Wheel flats or lumps on the wheel surface occur randomly. Their occurrence is discrete and is defined as a fault on the wheel rim surface in the form of a flat spot resulting from the loss or rolling out of material.

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