Aerodynamic Noise Separation of an EMU Trailer Bogie Area Using Train Operation Tests

Abstract

The operation transfer path analysis (OTPA) technique was used to measure the vibration and noise transfer coefficient functions of wheel-rail noise and radiated noise from an electric multiple unit (EMU) train (high-speed train in China) trailer bogie structure to the central area of the trailer bogie for a train running at speeds of 0–5 km/h. By applying these transfer coefficient functions to the noise analysis of high-speed train operation, the contributions of wheel-rail noise and frame-radiated noise to the noise of the bogie area at high speeds are obtained, and the aerodynamic noise is separated from the total noise, providing a reference for vibration damping and noise reduction in high-speed trains. Analysis of test data shows that, in the central area of the trailer bogie of high-speed trains, the low-frequency noise mainly comes from the structural radiated noise of the bogie, and the mid- to high-frequency noise is primarily due to aerodynamic noise. In addition, when an EMU train operates at speeds below 250 km/h, the noise in the central area of the trailer bogie is primarily caused by the structural radiated noise. When the operating speed is higher than 250 km/h, the noise in the central area of the trailer bogie is mainly due to aerodynamic noise, and the aerodynamic noise contribution increases with increase in speed.