Deutsche Bahn AG Research Articles

LOW NOISE GOODS WAGONS

Within the framework of a project called “low noise train”, the Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG) is currently expending a good deal of effort in initiating the development of a goods train that radiates significantly lower levels of wayside noise than do conventional goods trains. The present paper is based upon a collection of results of sound level measurements made by the UIC and the DB AG on wayside noise produced by goods wagons. For A-weighted sound-pressure levels, these results indicate that wheel/rail interactions are the dominant sources at speeds around 80 km/h on most types of wagons. Radiated noise levels are strongly influenced by the kind of braking system as well as by the condition of the rail surfaces. Other parameters appear to play a much smaller role in establishing wayside noise levels. Measurements designed to locate sources of radiated noise on dedicated goods trains have recently been carried out in order to increase our understanding of the mechanisms involved and to study the effects of sound-abatement measures on the level of rolling noise. These measurements were made with one- and two-dimensional configurations of microphone arrays. Several results of these studies are given here. In general, the conclusions drawn from the investigations are very promising, and, at least from an acoustical standpoint, the goal of realizing a “low noise goods train” appears achievable.

EXPERIENCES WITH VARIOUS CONFIGURATIONS OF MICROPHONE ARRAYS USED TO LOCATE SOUND SOURCES ON RAILWAY TRAINS OPERATED BY THE DB AG

This paper gives an overview of the results and conclusions from measurements made with various configurations of microphone arrays designed to locate sound sources on trains operated by the Deutsche Bahn AG at speeds up to 280 km/h. These arrays comprised one- and two-dimensional arrangements of up to 29 microphones. The characteristics peculiar to microphone arrays will be mentioned only briefly here, because the theoretical background of array measurements is available in other publications. Within the context of the present paper, the sound sources located are those generated mechanically, principally by wheel/rail interactions, and those produced by aerodynamic fluctuations. In addition, noise radiation from cooling systems was also measured during passages of the trains. Examples are given of results obtained with different kinds of arrays during pass-bys of dedicated ICEs and goods trains. These examples demonstrate the usefulness of array measurements for producing detailed information pertaining to the characteristics of individual sound sources. With respect to these individual sound sources particularly on moving vehicles, array technology provides a much more efficient and capable tool for investigating these sources than does the more conventional technique employing single microphones.

Can trams carry cargo? new logistics for urban areas

Goods traffic increases more than any other type of traffic in Europe. At present, city residents living on roads with high traffic density are not happy about it. On the other hand there is more traffic planned because of the building of goods centres (GVZ) in Germany. This article discusses the possibility of using tram-lines for goods transport on the base of the existing public transportation net, which can be used immediately. The basis for the transport on the planned two direction vehicles in low-floor technology is the logistik box, a small container-form which was inaugurated by the Deutsche Bahn AG in 1991. This Logistik box is compatible with normal containers and fits on train waggons and trucks. The Cargo/Tram is part of a regional goods traffic management in the way of a regional logistic service in the local area.

Transport of Radioactive Waste in Germany—A Survey

The transport of radioactive waste is centralised and coordinated by the German Railway Company (Deutsche Bahn AG, DB) in Germany. The conditioning of radioactive waste is now centralised and carried out by the Gesellschaft für Nuklear Service (GNS). The German Railway Company, DB, is totally and exclusively responsible for the transport, the GNS is totally and exclusively responsible for the conditioning of radioactive waste. The German Railway Company transports all radioactive waste from nuclear power plants, conditioning facilities and the existing intermediate storage facilities in Germany. In 1992 nearly 177 shipmenss of radioactive waste were carried out, in 1991 the total amount was 179 shipments. A brief description of the transport procedures, the use of different waste packages for radioactive waste with negligible heat generation and the transport routes within Germany will be given. For this purpose the inspection authorities in Germany have used a new documentation system, a special computer program for waste flow tracking and quality assurance and compliance assurance, developed by the electrical power companies in Germany.

Computerized Equipment Planning For Railways

The German Unity traffic projects and structural changes within Deutsche Bahn (DB) AG and a number of transport companies have entailed particular limiting conditions in equipment planning, especially within the territory of former Deutsche Reichsbahn. Whilst the most frequent requirement relates to reducing the planning time the planning engineer or the planning agency have been facing various novel challenges, in particular due to combinations of an extremely broad range of the varied operations to be planned. Furthermore, planning engineers have become increasingly involved in providing consultancy services to principals. Also, principals, planning engineers and planning agencies have focused their attention on quality issues.

Improved electric batteries

In the present contribution, the cyclic deformation behaviour of the railway wheel steels SAE 1050 and SAE 1060 was investigated in the very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime using a resonance testing device at a frequency of 200 Hz. The specimens were machined from the area of the ‘limiting-diameter’ of original monobloc-wheels. The wheels were provided by a system supplier of the Deutsche Bahn AG. The cyclic deformation behaviour is analysed by using highly precise methods for measuring the frequency, temperature and electrical resistance, which show deformation-induced changes of the microstructure within the bulk material during the fatigue process. The initial state of the material is investigated thoroughly by using light-, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. The dislocation structure was investigated in defined fatigue states showing dislocation walls at 5% Nf and dislocation cells at 85% Nf. S–N (Woehler) curves are presented for both wheel steels. Fatigue failures at Nf > 107 were observed.