Experimental Analysis of Dynamic Vibrations in Rails by Using Different Types of Vibration Absorption Pads

Lochela Prabhu Kiran; P. Venkataramiah

doi:10.52756/ijerr.2024.v45spl.002

Authors

Lochela Prabhu Kiran Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.V.U College of Engineering, Tirupati-517502, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2161-2324
P. Venkataramiah Department of Mechanical Engineering, S.V.U College of Engineering, Tirupati-517502, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2210-3791

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2024.v45spl.002

Keywords:

EPDM, HDPE, NITRILE, rail pads, rubber sleepers, vibrations

Abstract

Railway pads are a type of component that is used in railway construction and maintenance. They are typically made of rubber or similar material and are placed between the railway sleeper and the rail itself. Railway pads provide a layer of cushioning and insulation between the rail and the sleeper, which helps to reduce noise and vibration from passing trains. Railway pads can also help extend the rail's life by reducing the wear and tear caused by constant friction between the rail and sleeper. They are especially useful in areas where noise pollution is a concern, such as residential areas or near hospitals and schools. Several types of railway pads are available, including continuous, discrete, and ribbed designs. The specific type of pad used will depend on factors such as the type of rail being used, the expected loads and speeds of passing trains, and the requirements of the railway system. Overall, railway pads are an important component in the construction and maintenance of railway systems, helping to reduce noise and vibration while also prolonging the life of the rail and other components. In this paper, we are testing three types of vibration rubber pads i.e., Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), nitrile and comparing three vibration frequencies. The dynamic frequency of welded rails with HDPE pads has having 1190 Hz mean value. The dynamic frequency of rail tracks with single- and double-layer EPDM pads their mean values are 499 Hz and 335 Hz respectively. The experimental values clearly show that single- and double-layer EPDM pad dynamic frequencies are reduced by up to 58% and 71%, respectively, over the HDPE pad.

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