Application of New Lubricant and Modifier Formulations for the Reduction of Wheel Squeal Noise Under Freight and Passenger Service

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Author(s)Zarembski, Allan M.
Author(s)Chiddick, Kelvin S.
Date Accessioned2021-11-15T16:25:00Z
Date Available2021-11-15T16:25:00Z
Publication Date1999-09
AbstractWheel sequel noise on curved track is a serious problem in residential areas where the tracks are near or adjacent to homes and residences. This was the case in a Southern California community that was adjacent to a Southern Pacific Railroad mainline that carried both freight and passenger traffic. The specific wheel squeal problem was associated with the negotiation of the moderate curved track by the mix of traffic at a range of speeds and operating conditions. While significant noise levels were recorded by all of the traffic, to include commuter and inter-urban passenger traffic, the highest levels of noise were recorded by intermodal freight equipment, both trailer and container carrying. These n0ise levels were of significant magnitude and resulted in numerous complaints as well a'$ follow up lawsuits from the residents. In order to address this noise problem, the dynamics of the wheel/rail interaction mechanism was examined and a two part solution applied. The solution consisted of using a low coefficient of friction modifiers on the gage face of the high rail of the curve(s) in conjunction with a high positive coefficient of friction modifiers on the top of the rail head on both the high and low rails. In this configuration, lateral slip of the wheel tread across the rail head was significantly reduced, together with the more traditional flanging effects 011 the gage face of the high rail. The result was a significant reduction in the level of noise generated by all of the traffic types. In order to achieve this dual application at specific locations on the rail head, a high rail vehicle mounted application system was developed and utilized. The hi-rail based system allowed for a uniform and accurate application of the friction modifiers onto the rail. However, the friction modifiers deteriorated with time and traffic (as a function of the number of axle passes), and as such had to be reapplied on a regular and ongoing basis. This paper describes the development and application of this combination of friction modifiers to the high noise curve(s) as well as the determination of the rate of degradation of the friction modifiers under traffic. The testing of the Friction Modifiers (Lubricants) performance led to the development of a well defined friction modifier effectiveness degradation curve which served as the basis for an ongoing program of friction modifiers aimed at keeping the level of noise below a defined threshold. In addition, the need for a "reasonably long" interval between friction modifier applications led to the development of an extended life version of the friction modifiers that made them appropriate for use in an ongoing maintenance application.en_US
CitationZarembski, A.M. Chiddick, A.S. “Application of New Lubricant Formulations For The Reduction of Wheel Squeal Noise Under Freight and Passenger Service”, American Society of Mechanical Engineers Joint Technical Conference with AREMA, September 1999en_US
ISSN0096-0268
URLhttps://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/29366
PublisherAmerican Railway Engineering Associationen_US
KeywordsWheel squeal noiseen_US
KeywordsPassenger Serviceen_US
KeywordsGage faceen_US
TitleApplication of New Lubricant and Modifier Formulations for the Reduction of Wheel Squeal Noise Under Freight and Passenger Serviceen_US
TypeArticleen_US
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