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Railway rolling noise prediction: field validation and sensitivity analysis

The Railway Rolling Noise Prediction Software (RRNPS) is a model for predicting the sound pressure levels (SPLs) during a train passage due to wheel/rail roughness, based on vibration dynamics, contact mechanics and sound radiation modules. Similar software has been developed previously, in particular the Track–Wheel Interaction Noise Software (TWINS) model, and some field validation has been done under European and Japanese conditions. In this article, the RRPNS is used to model a typical railway rolling noise situation in Australia and compared with detailed field experimental results for validation purposes. A series of field measurements were taken at a narrow track gauge testing site in Australia. Comparisons between simulations and measurements have shown that this software model gives reliable predictions in terms of overall A-weighted SPL and noise spectrum. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the model was carried out to investigate the effect of speed, normal load, ballast vertical stiffness, rail pad vertical stiffness and rail cross receptance factor on railway rolling noise. This article extends the range of conditions for which the software model has been validated and gains some confidence in its use. It also provides some insight into model-based methods to control and mitigate railway noise.