Investigation of Track Gauge and Alignment Parameters of Ballasted Railway Tracks Based on Real Measurements Using Signal Processing Techniques

Abstract

This paper deals with the time-frequency characteristic analysis for track geometry irregularities using field data recorded by a comprehensive track inspection train. The parameters of the track gauge and the left and right rail alignment are considered to identify their characteristic wavelengths and the locations of their waveforms. In addition to the conventional time and frequency domain analysis, auto-adaptive signal decomposition techniques are used on four pre-selected track sections. During the time series analysis of the track gauge, the cumulative difference from the mean value is calculated, which makes it possible to distinguish the track section constructed with non-standard initial track gauges. The sensitive wavelengths of the track irregularities are obtained from the proper allocation of wavelength ranges in the Fourier Amplitude Spectrum of the original signal and the Fourier transform of the components detected by the Variational Mode Decomposition. This analysis can elucidate the wavelengths and positions of track irregularities that affect vehicle responses.