Low-frequency vibration control of floating slab tracks using dynamic vibration absorbers

Abstract

This study aims to effectively and robustly suppress the low-frequency vibrations of floating slab tracks (FSTs) using dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs). First, the optimal locations where the DVAs are attached are determined by modal analysis with a finite element model of the FST. Further, by identifying the equivalent mass of the concerned modes, the optimal stiffness and damping coefficient of each DVA are obtained to minimise the resonant vibration amplitudes based on fixed-point theory. Finally, a three-dimensional coupled dynamic model of a metro vehicle and the FST with the DVAs is developed based on the nonlinear Hertzian contact theory and the modified Kalker linear creep theory. The track irregularities are included and generated by means of a time-frequency transformation technique. The effect of the DVAs on the vibration absorption of the FST subjected to the vehicle dynamic loads is evaluated with the help of the insertion loss in one-third octave frequency bands. The sensitivities of the mass ratio of DVAs and the damping ratio of steel-springs under the floating slab are discussed as well, which provided engineers with the DVA's adjustable room for vibration mitigation. The numerical results show that the proposed DVAs could effectively suppress low-frequency vibrations of the FST when tuned correctly and attached properly. The insertion loss due to the attachment of DVAs increases as the mass ratio increases, whereas it decreases with the increase in the damping ratio of steel-springs.

Dynamic Parameter Optimization and Experimental Study of Tuned Slab Damper on Metro Systems

“…It is shown that the vibration attenuation of a speci c frequency band can be achieved by the reasonable design of a dynamic vibration absorber on the basis of a oating slab track [4,[17][18][19]. Based on this idea, a oating slab track structure with an additional tuned slab damper is proposed to control the vibration of a speci c lowfrequency band.…”

Vibration analysis of the axle bearings considering the combined errors for a high-speed train

“…Zhai et al 12 formulated the train-track-bridge interactions and provided a dynamic model to study the lateral and vertical vibrations of a train-track-bridge system. Zhu et al 13 presented a coupled dynamic model for a metro train to study the system low-frequency vibrations. Cantero and Karoumi 14 established a traintrack-bridge system model to discuss the influences of the train speed, track irregularity cases, and bridge characteristics on the system vibrations.…”

Stability and Well-Posedness of a Nonlinear Railway Track Model

“…This railway track model was used to study the effect of passing vehicles on pavements [11]. There are also studies devoted to the vibration monitoring and control of railway tracks [12], [13]. Track deflections induced by train passage are a cause of ride discomfort, fatigue in railway, and disturbances to nearby buildings [12].…”