Damping Research Articles

Drone Swarm Robust Cooperative Formation Pursuit through Relative Positioning in a Location Denial Environment

This paper considers the pursuit problem of a moving target by a swarm of drones through a flexible-configuration formation. The drones are modeled by second-order systems subject to uncertain damping ratios, whereas the moving target follows a polynomial-type trajectory whose coefficient vectors are fully unknown. Due to location denial, drones cannot obtain their absolute positions, but they can obtain their positions relative to other neighboring drones and the target. To achieve a robust formation pursuit, a robust cooperative control protocol is synthesized, which comprises three key components, namely, the pseudo drone position estimator, the pseudo target position estimator, and the local internal model control (IMC) law. The pseudo drone position estimator and the pseudo target position estimator aim to recover for each drone the position of itself and the target, respectively, but are subject to some common unknown constant bias in a distributed manner. By subtracting the pseudo target position from the pseudo drone position, each drone can acquire its position relative to the target, which facilitates the design of a local IMC law to fulfill formation pursuit in the presence of system parametric uncertainties. Both pure numerical simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control protocol.

Horizontal shaking table tests on a four-story prototype structure using multi-dimensional earthquake isolation and mitigation devices

Three-dimensional isolation system (3DIS) has been increasingly applied to civil structures with small height-width ratios, but is rarely employed in the multistory and high-rise buildings due to the lack of efficient control strategy for the rocking effect. In this paper, a simplified analysis model of 3DIS was established firstly to bring insights into the coupled motion mode caused by the rocking effect, and the influence of damping ratio and height-width ratio on the modal frequency was revealed. Then, aimed at weakening rocking motion and improving the seismic isolation efficiency, a novel multi-dimensional earthquake isolation and mitigation device (MEIMD) was proposed, and both the design composition and design principle were given in detail. To validate the effectiveness of MEIMDs, a full-scale four-story frame with a height of 13.05 m and a weight of 70 tons was produced for horizontal shaking table tests. The experimental results indicated that after adopting MEIMDs, the first-order modal frequency was 1.7 Hz, with 68% decrease compared with that of the prototype structure, and the first-order modal damping ratio was above 0.23, about eight times that of the prototype structure. Moreover, the horizontal peak acceleration was significantly decreased for each floor with a maximum reduction of 49%, while the maximum horizontal displacement and rocking response were obviously lower than the limit value specified by building codes. Therefore, the MEIMDs can not only efficiently isolate the earthquake energy, but also ensure the sufficient dynamic stability of the system. This study sheds light on the real coupled horizontal-rocking response of the base isolation system with MEIMDs, and can promote the development and application of 3DIS in multistory and high-rise buildings.

Parametric instability analysis of rotors under anisotropic boundary conditions

Ensuring rotor stability is a major concern in engineering, as instabilities can lead to catastrophic failures. Existing literature shows that anisotropic boundary conditions significantly affect the parametric instability characteristics of rotors under periodical axial loads. However, there is little literature systematically analyzing the formation mechanism of parametric resonance under these boundary conditions or providing a detailed classification of the parametric instability regions. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive parametric instability analysis of a rotor subjected to periodic axial loads under anisotropic boundary conditions. A novel approach based on the multiple scales method is proposed to address anisotropy in the boundary conditions. Using this approach, the analytical boundaries of the parametric instability regions are derived, and a proof regarding the absence of certain parametric resonances is presented. These analytical solutions are validated by numerical results obtained from the discrete transition matrix method, which form the basis for systematically investigating the effects of anisotropy in direct or cross-coupling stiffness/damping coefficients on the rotor instability. The key scientific contributions of this work include: Deriving analytical instability boundaries, providing a more efficient alternative to purely numerical methods while maintaining high accuracy; Demonstrating the absence of parametric resonance of difference type under both isotropic or anisotropic boundary conditions; Discovering that anisotropy in stiffness coefficients can induce self-interaction within a given forward or backward whirl mode, as well as interaction between two forward or two backward whirl modes, leading to additional instability regions; Reducing anisotropy in direct damping coefficients may increase critical dynamic load coefficients, potentially enhancing rotor safety; If the cross-coupling stiffness coefficients exceed the threshold for triggering intrinsic instability, the rotor may become unstable in all operating conditions. All these findings offer insights into the stability management of rotors under various operating conditions and provide valuable guidance for designing and operating safer, more efficient rotor systems.

Nanometer-thick Ga/Al substituted yttrium iron garnet ultra-thin films by liquid phase epitaxial method

Abstract In microwave and spintronic applications, the Gilbert damping coefficient and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) line width play a decisive role in the component losses. Yttrium iron garnet (YIG) film is a good candidate due to the extremely small damping factor. 4.8 and 51.3 nm ultra-thin Y3(GaAlFe)5O12 (GaAl-YIG) films are grown on gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) substrate using liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) technology. The films show a (111) orientation and tensile strain, and the roughness of the film surface is small. The films show a low saturation magnetization because of Ga and Al substituted, and the comparison of magnetization properties with film thickness is analyzed. The FMR line width is tested, and the calculated damping constant of the 51.3 nm film is on the order of 10−4. The structural and magnetization properties analysis demonstrates that LPE technology has the potential to provide nanometer-thick garnet films for low-loss spintronic devices.

Experimental study on seismic performance of replaceable shear links with low-yield-point steel

Based on the design concept of controllable seismic damage during earthquakes and rapid functional recovery after earthquakes, a replaceable shear link with low-yield-point steel was proposed. Quasi-static cyclic loading tests and numerical analysis were conducted on six specimens. The failure mode, seismic performance, energy dissipation behavior, and shear distribution of each specimen were carefully considered to investigate the effects of web steel, web stiffening configuration and stiffener-plate stiffness ratio. The results showed that the stiffened specimens showed full-sectional shear yielding behavior, while the non-stiffened specimens exhibited coupling behavior of web yielding and buckling. Specimens with reasonable design parameters had excellent ductility and energy dissipation capacity, with the plastic shear angle exceeding 0.157 rad and the maximum equivalent viscous damping coefficients greater than 0.51 (80% of the theoretical maximum value). Owing to the cyclic strengthening of the low-yield-point steel web and the contributions of stiffeners and flanges, the specimens showed obvious overstrength behavior, with the overstrength factor ranging from 1.99 to 2.39. The cross-stiffening configuration was conducive to enhancing the seismic performance of shear links. Smaller web width-to-thickness ratios were recommended to match with smaller stiffener-plate stiffness ratios. Extended cross stiffeners and diagonal stiffeners resulted in earlier cracking of the web welds, which adversely affected the ductility of the specimens.

Numerical prediction of ground-borne vibrations due to continuous vibratory driving of circular closed-ended piles

Various types of pile driving work may induce high-intensity ground-borne vibrations. Predicting vibration intensity before adopting mitigation measures is vital for minimizing the impact of vibration on nearby structures and occupants. Vibratory pile driving is a commonly applied foundation construction method. However, numerical simulation models for ground vibrations during a complete process of vibratory driving have rarely been studied. This study introduces an axisymmetric finite element model that utilizes the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian technique to simulate the continuous vibratory driving of a circular closed-ended pile penetrating from the ground surface to a target depth. The model validity was confirmed by assessing the calculated ground vibrations against the findings documented in earlier research. The results showed that the critical penetration depth of piles, at which the maximum peak particle velocity (PPV) occurs, varied with the radial distance and depth of points of interest, contradicting a common preconception. Moreover, the maximum PPV did not always occur on the ground surface across all radial distances. Parametric analysis revealed that an increase in the soil cohesion strength, pile diameter, or soil-pile friction, or a decrease in the driving frequency or soil damping ratio would increase ground vibrations due to vibratory pile driving.

Explainable AI model for predicting equivalent viscous damping in dual frame–wall resilient system

A prominent challenge in applying the direct displacement-based design (DDBD) method to the proposed dual frame–wall lateral force-resisting system lies in determining the equivalent viscous damping ratio (EVDR). However, the strong nonlinearity and complexity behind the equivalent procedure lead to limited choice, mostly trial and error based on experience, to explain and predict the EVDR in the context of traditional research. This study employs the XGBoost method to unravel intricate relationships of EVDR using over 5 million data points from nonlinear time-history (NLTH) analyses, encompassing various parameters including the fundamental period, ductility, subsystem stiffness ratios, post-yielding stiffness ratios of the subsystems and ground motion types. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values consistently identify critical features relevant to the equivalent procedure. Comprehensive feature ablation tests further illuminate the robustness and susceptibility of each model. Additionally, the incorporation of Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) for local interpretability provides insights into the intricate decision-making mechanisms inherent in each model’s predictions. Both the predicting results from machine learning (ML) and traditional method are also compared. Findings highlight the relative importance of features for EVDR and present a refined prediction model. It underscores the pivotal role of model interpretability in reinforcing confidence in complex models and advocates for leveraging ML techniques to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the DDBD method in structural design.

Development of novel low-cost isolator UMELI (unbonded mesh elastomeric layered isolator): experimental investigations

Seismic isolation is a highly efficacious method for reducing the seismic load on structures. This technique is widely adopted to safeguard structures from earthquakes. Despite the promising results demonstrated by numerous isolation techniques, their implementation remains a significant challenge, particularly in developing countries, due to the high costs associated with manufacturing. Therefore, a novel and affordable base isolation technique has been proposed, namely unbonded mesh elastomeric layered isolator (UMELI). UMELI consists of steel mesh sandwiched between the unbonded layers of elastomers, resulting in an affordable isolator to be used for lightweight, low-rise structures. One of the crucial characteristics of this novel isolator is that it does not require a specialised manufacturing process unlike other elastomeric isolators. In the present study, experimental investigations are conducted to evaluate the dynamic characteristics such as dynamic vertical stiffness, equivalent lateral stiffness, and equivalent viscous damping ratio of UMELI. Its characteristics were studied for different layered isolators and are compared with the unreinforced elastomeric isolator. The investigations have demonstrated the effectiveness of the UMELI by increasing its vertical stiffness and reducing lateral stiffness, thereby enhancing the isolation period with the addition of a steel mesh layer.

Spectral incremental dynamic methodology for nonlinear structural systems endowed with fractional derivative elements subjected to fully non-stationary stochastic excitation

A novel spectral incremental dynamic analysis methodology for analysing structural response in nonlinear systems with fractional derivative elements is presented, aligning with modern seismic design codes, like Eurocode 8. Drawing inspiration from the concept of fully non-stationary stochastic processes, the vector of the imposed seismic excitations is characterised by time and frequency evolving power spectra stochastically compatible with elastic response spectra of specified damping ratio and ground acceleration. The proposed method efficiently determines the nonlinear system time-dependent probability density functions for the non-stationary system response amplitude by employing potent nonlinear stochastic dynamics concepts, such as stochastic averaging and statistical linearisation. Unlike traditional incremental dynamic analysis curves found in the literature, the herein proposed method introduces a three-dimensional alternative counterpart, that of stochastic engineering demand parameter surfaces, providing with higher-order statistics of the system response. An additional noteworthy aspect involves the derivation of response evolutionary power spectra as function of spectral acceleration, offering a deeper insight into the underlying system dynamics. Besides its capabilities, the method maintains the coveted element of a particularly low associated computational cost, increasing its attractiveness and practicality among diverse applications of engineering interest. Numerical examples comprising the bilinear hysteretic model endowed with fractional derivative elements subject to an Eurocode 8 elastic design spectrum demonstrate the capabilities and reliability of the proposed methodology. Its accuracy is assessed by juxtaposing the derived results with germane Monte Carlo Simulation data.

Wind-induced vibration response of supertall sightseeing tower evaluation during construction through wind tunnel test of aeroelastic models

Four construction phases of an ultra-high sightseeing tower with a cable-barrel composite structure and their wind-induced vibration response were studied. The first-order natural vibration characteristic of the structure in four different construction phases was calculated through finite element models, and associated aeroelastic models were also designed. Meanwhile, rough strips are applied uniformly on the surface of the model to compensate the Reynolds number of the wind tunnel test. The performance of this method was investigated utilizing the pressure test of rigid segment models. The wind-induced vibration response under four construction conditions, and the effects of wind direction angle, wind speed and structural damping ratio were investigated through the wind tunnel test of aeroelastic models. The results show that sticking rough strips on the surface can effectively improve the Reynolds number of wind tunnel tests. As the wind speed during construction increases, the structural wind-induced vibration response intensifies. A large vortex-induced resonance occurs in the construction phase of a cable-barrel composite structure with the Strouhal number around 0.12 under turbulent conditions in this study. Furthermore, the crosswind-induced vibration response of the structure at a wind deflection angle of 0° is greater than 45° and 90°. Specifically, the mean value of downwind displacement and the maximum value of standard deviation (STD) of downwind and crosswind displacements on the prototype tower top at 0° during construction phases are 1.21 m, 0.35 m, and 0.25 m respectively. Thus, the risk of large wind-induced vibration should be fully considered during construction. Implementing corresponding damping measures to improve the damping ratio of the structure proves effective in restraining its vibration.

Data-driven multi-step solar photovoltaic predictions with limited and uncertain information: Insights from a collaboratively-optimized nonlinear grey Bernoulli model

As solar energy grows as a crucial substitute for fossil energy worldwide, it is worth investigating solar photovoltaic predictions characterized by complex patterns and a lack of prior knowledge. Accordingly, an optimized nonlinear grey Bernoulli model is proposed, encompassing three essential advancements. Firstly, the damping accumulated generating operation is initially integrated with the grey Bernoulli model to reduce random disturbances and improve the smoothness of the original collections, extracting more valuable information via preprocessing the raw data. Secondly, the background value is modified to remove the jumping errors arise from converting differential to difference functions based on the Simpson rule. Thirdly, the heuristic intelligent algorithm is employed to collaboratively explore the optimal damping coefficient and power index in the proposed model. For illustration purposes, experiments on predicting the global photovoltaic installed capacity (case one) and solar electricity net generation (case two) are carried out to examine the effectiveness and generality of this new approach. Experimental results indicate that the proposed model achieves significant improvements over the prevalent models in one-to-three-step ahead forecasting, obtaining the average 323.94% and 211.86% improvement rates over the seven benchmarks measured by MAPE and RMSE. Furthermore, robustness tests in terms of Monte-Carlo simulation, algorithm comparison, and hyper-parameter sensitivity analysis are performed to explore the proposed model’s forecasting stability against the intelligent algorithm randomness, choices, and hyper-parameters. Generally, the proposed model is proven to be a reliable method and is deployed for future global solar photovoltaic predictions.

Nonlinear dynamic characteristics analysis method of planetary gear train torsional vibration considering meshing oil film force

Planetary gear train is an important part of automatic transmission. The oil film between teeth is one of the key factors affecting the torsional vibration of planetary gear train. Selecting the appropriate oil film stiffness is of great significance for analyzing the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of planetary gear train. A method for analyzing the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of planetary gear system torsional vibration considering the oil film force between teeth is proposed in this paper. A 3-DOF torsional vibration model of planetary gear train considering oil film is established. In this model, the oil film between teeth is equivalent to a time-varying nonlinear spring-damper element, and nonlinear factors such as backlash and meshing error are also considered. The effects of meshing oil film thickness on oil film stiffness and damping are analyzed, and the torsional vibration characteristics of planetary gear train under different meshing stiffness, meshing damping ratio, and rotational speed are analyzed based on bifurcation diagrams. The results show that in one meshing cycle, the meshing oil film thickness first becomes larger and then becomes smaller. When the meshing oil film thickness increases, the meshing oil film stiffness and the equivalent meshing oil film damping become smaller. The torsional vibration of planetary gear train can be effectively reduced by increasing meshing stiffness, damping ratio, rotational speed within a certain range. This method provides technical support for reducing torsional vibration of planetary gear train and realizing stable transmission of planetary gear train.

Understanding and phenomenological modeling of the pinching effect of the load–deflection curve of reinforced concrete beams subjected to bending

The reliable prediction of the seismic response of reinforced concrete (RC) structures hinges on accurate modeling of the cyclic behavior of their constituent elements. The load–deflection curve in RC beams exhibits a pinched hysteresis pattern corresponding to energy dissipations. This pinching effect, often observed under seismic loading conditions, reflects a reduction in stiffness and energy dissipation capacity at certain loading stages. Despite its significance, the detailed mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain underexplored in existing literature. This paper aims to address this gap by presenting simplified models that directly represents the pinching effect at the crack scale. The model is grounded in a comprehensive analysis of shear stress interactions and crack closure dynamics, hypothesized as primary contributors to the pinching phenomenon. Our approach involves a meticulous examination of the hysteresis loops’ area and shape, facilitating the estimation of an equivalent viscous damping ratio to represent energy dissipation in seismic simulations, irrespective of changes in the structure’s damage or ductility levels. The paper unfolds in three key sections: The first section underscores the significance of a nuanced understanding of the pinching effect in seismic analysis. The second section presents an extensive literature review, consolidating crucial insights into the nature of the pinching phenomenon. The third section details the development and application of the proposed mesoscopic model, highlighting the impact of various geometrical and material parameters on the pinching effect.

Optimization design and interface characteristics research of high damping NiTi - Nickel-Aluminum Bronze functional gradient composite coating additively manufactured by high-speed laser-directed energy deposition

The near-equatomic NiTi shape memory alloy demonstrates exceptional damping performance due to its distinctive low-temperature self-cooperative martensitic internal friction. This study successfully fabricated NiTi-NAB (Nickel-Aluminium bronze shape memory alloy) functionally graded composite coatings with excellent metallurgical bonding between layers on Q235 steel substrates by designing an appropriate interlayer structure and employing the high-speed laser-directed energy deposition (LDED). Through comprehensive evaluation of the composite coating's performance and the numerical simulations of heat transfer within the molten pool, we elucidated the impact of process parameter levels on the microstructure and phase transformation characteristics of the NiTi alloy coating (NTC). The phase composition and phase interface characteristics of the NTC surface and bonding interface were analyzed using an electron probe microanalyzer and transmission electron microscopy, while dynamic thermomechanical analysis was employed to evaluate the damping performance of the NTC. The results indicate that an optimal parameter combination area still exists within the NTC-LDED process parameter window, even with equal laser energy density. Insufficient parameter levels can lead to an increase of micro-defects within the NTC, consequently causing a deterioration in both the cohesion and deformation resistance of the coating. Excessively high parameter levels can lead to significant element loss and residual stress, which in turn contributes to an increase in microcracks within the coating. A considerable quantity of reaction product mixture phases was formed at the interface between NTC and NAB, tending to align coherently with the NAB phase interface. The NTC, prepared with optimal process parameters, exhibits exceptional damping performance with a damping ratio of 0.498 at internal friction equilibrium, rendering it highly promising for applications in surface erosion protection for fluid machinery.

Numerical Study on the Effect of Weight Variables on the Roll Damping Coefficients for a Fishing Vessel

Abstract The roll damping coefficient is essential when considering the viscous effect in the potential-based hydrodynamic analysis of fishing vessels; it is an important factor in the roll motion response. The present study performs free roll decay simulations, altering weight variables using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to investigate the correlation between the roll damping coefficient and the weight variation of a fishing vessel. The time series of roll amplitude and roll damping coefficient are compared, for varying vertical and longitudinal centres of gravity and radii of gyration in roll motion. As the vertical centre of gravity increases, both the roll decay period and the roll damping coefficient also increase. The roll decay period tends to increase with the increase in the radius of gyration during roll motion, while the roll damping coefficient exhibits a decrease. A longitudinal centre of gravity has a limited effect on free roll decay characteristics. The roll damping coefficients between the maximum and minimum combinations of weight variables show significant differences. The findings of the present study could enhance the understanding of the safety of fishing vessels based on their loading conditions. Consequently, future research could further improve the results obtained in the present study by considering various hull shapes and speeds.

Damp and droop coefficient stability region analysis for interlinking converters with virtual asynchronous machine controllers in virtual energy storage systems

Although virtual energy storage systems (VESSs) based on virtual asynchronous machine (VAM) control strategy have been widely applied to microgrids to achieve power balance between supply and demand sides, damp and droop coefficients are variable due to the system operation state. It is prone to causing wideband oscillation, such as low-frequency and sub/super-synchronous oscillation. Thus, this paper proposes one damp and droop coefficient stability region identification approach based on the Guardian map theory for the interlinking converter (IC) of VESSs. Firstly, the VAM control method of IC is derived through the traditional asynchronous machine, and its small-signal model is further built. The aforesaid process is the important modeling basic. Secondly, the concept of the practical small signal stability region (P-SSSR) is proposed to make up for the deficiency of the traditional small signal stability region (SSSR) that cannot ensure system robustness. Thirdly, the mapping method based on translation and rotation mapping is introduced to ensure that the identification of the P-SSSR problem is switched into the Hurwitz matrix identification problem. Furthermore, the high-dimensional parameter stability region can be obtained through the Guardian map theory. Finally, the performance of the proposed method can be verified through simulation and experiment results.

Survival probability surfaces of hysteretic fractional order structures exposed to non-stationary code-compliant stochastic seismic excitation

A novel first-passage probability stochastic incremental dynamics analysis (SIDA) methodology tailored for hysteretic fractional order structural systems under a fully non-stationary seismic excitation vector consistently designated with contemporary aseismic codes provisions (e.g., Eurocode 8) is developed. Specifically, the vector of the imposed seismic excitations is characterised by evolutionary power spectra that stochastically align with aseismic codes elastic response acceleration spectra, defined for specified modal damping ratios and scaled ground accelerations. Leveraging the concepts of stochastic averaging and statistical linearization, the approximative non-stationary response displacement joint probability density function (PDF) is derived, retaining the particularly coveted attribute of computational efficacy. Subsequently, the coupling with the survival probability model allows for the efficient determination of the response first-passage time probability density surfaces and the survival probability surfaces across various limit-state rules and scalable intensity measures. The first-passage time probability serves as a robust engineering demand parameter, effectively monitoring structural behaviour by considering both intensity and timing information, while inherently aligned with pertinent limit-state requirements. Notably, the associated low computational cost and the ability to handle a wide range of complex nonlinear/hysteretic structural behaviours, coupled with its compliance with modern aseismic codes, underscore its potential for applications in the fields of structural and earthquake engineering. A nonlinear system endowed with fractional derivative elements is used to exemplify the method’s reliability. The accuracy of the proposed method is validated in a Monte Carlo-based context, conducting nonlinear response time–history analyses with an extensive ensemble of accelerograms compatible with Eurocode 8 response acceleration spectra.

Clutching inertial system for base-isolated liquid storage tanks: Seismic performance and optimal parameters

Liquid storage tanks (LSTs) are susceptible to significant damage during earthquake events, necessitating their continued functionality and additional protection through isolation techniques. The sloshing response and overall base shear of LSTs are critical factors, particularly in base isolated (BI) tanks. This study aims to enhance the seismic resilience of LSTs by leveraging a newly developed advanced inerter-based vibration control methodology for structures. This innovative approach integrates a supplemental clutching inertial system (CIS) with a laminated rubber isolator (LRB). Utilizing an equivalent linearization technique, the study evaluates the equivalent damping and inertance constants to account for the nonlinear behavior of the CIS. These equivalent parameters are then used to assess the stationary peak response of the isolated tank structure, which encompasses sloshing and bearing displacements, forces within the CIS and the isolator, and the total base shear. Further, the analysis employs the stationary power spectral density function (PSDF) model of earthquake excitation by Kanai-Tajimi and the performance of the inerter-based hybrid control strategy is examined by varying system parameters, such as isolation period, isolation damping, CIS inertance mass ratio, and the tank's aspect ratio (i.e., broad or slender). An optimal inertance of the CIS is identified, leading to the least overall base shear for both isolated tank configurations. The impact of these parameters inertance mass ratio of the CIS is also investigated. Subsequently, the isolated tanks are exposed to eleven near-fault (NF) and far-field (FF) real-time earthquake excitations. The study evaluates the CIS's performance as an auxiliary system during these seismic events and contrasts the outcomes with the seismic response under stochastic excitations. The results highlight the effectiveness of the advanced inerter-based hybrid control strategy in reducing the seismic response of isolated tank configurations.

Carbody sway behaviour of railway vehicles due to track irregularity from rail alternate side wear

AbstractTrack irregularity from rail alternate side wear is manifested as uneven rail wear waveforms alternating in the left and right rails with equal intervals, which will cause carbody sway behaviour of railway vehicles and greatly influences the passenger comfort. In this work, the carbody sway behaviour and mechanism due to track irregularity from rail alternate side wear and possible solutions to this issue were studied by the field testing and numerical calculation approaches. First, the carbody sway of an urban rail transit train is introduced with full-scale field tests, through which the rail alternate side wear is characterized and the formatted track irregularity are presented. Then, multibody vehicle dynamic models are developed to reproduce the carbody sway behaviour induced by the track irregularity from the rail alternate side wear. The creep forces acting on the wheel and rail are preliminarily discussed to study the influence of the carbody sway on the wear of the wheel flange and the rail corner. Finally, some potential solutions, e.g. improving the damping ratio of carbody rigid mode and rail grinding, are proposed to relieve this issue. It is concluded that an increased damping ratio of the carbody mode can alleviate the carbody sway and wheel–rail interactions, while properly maintaining track conditions can improve the vehicle performance.

A study of the spatial non-uniformity of reverberation time at low frequencies

This paper presents a study of the spatial non-uniformity of low-frequency reverberation time estimates. Using measured and simulated data, it is demonstrated that the reverberation times estimated from band-limited impulse responses vary as a function of space at low frequencies. The origin of this spatial dependency is investigated using a one-dimensional finite element model. It is shown that the Q-factor and reverberation time at the resonant frequency of a particular mode are spatially dependent and that the spatial dependency is related to the mode shapes. The ranges of the reverberation time estimates as a function of third-octave frequency bands in simulated and measured rooms are presented. An additional finding is that modal damping constants (obtained via eigenvalue analysis) quantify the decay of uncoupled modes but not necessarily the reverberation time. These observations have implications for measurements and simulations of reverberation time at low frequencies. When measuring a spatially averaged reverberation time, the choice of source and receiver positions is important. A guideline is proposed that defines a set of preferred measurement positions based on the mode shapes, from which estimates of the spatially averaged reverberation time can be obtained.