Optimization of resilient wheels for rolling noise control

Resilient wheels are currently used on light rail systems such as tramways to prevent squealing noise and to reduce impact noise. On the other hand, they are rarely found on main lines (passenger rolling stock and freight rolling stock). Although manufacturers often claim that resilient wheels are favourable for rolling noise control, no extensive theoretical investigation confirming this statement has been published to date. In this paper, it is shown how resilient wheels can be effectively optimised in order to reduce rolling noise emission, compared to a conventional monobloc wheel. A preliminary analysis of the physical phenomena accounting for rolling noise generation emphasizes the key design parameters affecting both wheel and radiation. These parameters are the radial dynamic stiffness and damping loss factor of the rubber layer. The tread mass is also relevant. The influence of these design parameters is then qualified by a parametric study performed with the TWINS software. An optimum radial dynamic stiffness of the resilient layer is found which depends on operating conditions. Reductions in overall rolling noise up to 3 dB (A) are calculated for the configurations investigated. However, poor selection of the design parameters can lead to a noise increase compared to a standard monobloc wheel. It is also shown that a proper design for rolling noise control will not affect wheel efficiency with regard to squeal noise. (C) 2000 Academic Press.