Rationale for choosing the sound-absorbing materials for the operator’s cabins of the rail-grinding machine

Abstract

Abstract The operation of the rail grinding machines that use noise and vibration-active parts in their structures inevitably leads to the increased levels of vibration and noise that adversely affect their operators. In this field, the specialists from different countries have carried out certain studies. However, the process of forming the vibro acoustic characteristics of the rail grinding machines has not been studied. It should be also noted that theoretical studies of the vibro acoustic dynamics of the rail grinding machines and methods for calculating the vibration and noise spectra are limited, which significantly complicates the substantiation of the engineering solutions to reduce the sound emission intensity of the dominant noise sources. Due to the negative impact of the elevated noise levels on rail grinding machine’s operators, it is necessary for the design stages with appropriate vibro acoustic characteristics that meet requirements of the sanitary standards. The main practically and technologically possible way to align noise emission level is the choice of the sound-absorbing materials and the achievement of the sound insulation, based on the fulfillment of the sanitary noise standards. The article describes the rationale for choosing the sound-absorbing materials for the operator’s cabin of the rail-grinding machine due to the reduction of the air noise component, which is more common than the structural one. A criterion for minimizing acoustic characteristics inside the operator’s cabin is determined to select the most rational engineering method of the sound absorption.