Train Wheels Eigenmodes on Effects of Vibration and Track Deterioration in the Belfast to Steelpoort Railway Line

In South Africa, one of the main lines situated in its Limpopo Province presents symptoms excessive vehicle-track vibrations. A modal method is adopted to study difference dynamic response corrugated rails resting on Hytrel/6385 and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) rail pads. The results for these two types pads are analysed form Frequency Response Functions (FRFs). Two positions considered obtaining point FRFs; those mid-span top sleeper. Resonance modes significance excited a frequency range 0 – 500Hz both view entire vibration window, FRFs show more damped by HDPE than that Hytrel/6358 pad. Finite Element (FE) analysis used investigate mode shapes corresponding frequencies wheelset locomotive operating line. high 350 500Hz, gear-side wheel proves be vibrating erratically non-gear side wheel. Clearly pronounced shape at 350Hz higher presented.