Technology/Research:
|
Noise signature identification used in the Rail Noise and Wear
Assessment system.
|
A high proportion of the cost associated with the operation of any
railway is generated through the wear induced at the wheel-rail
interface. The purpose of this project was to develop an on-vehicle
monitoring system that could indicate areas of track that require
attention, in order to minimize wheel wear and reduce maintenance
costs. The noise generated by wheel-rail interaction can indicate
various track conditions and wear processes that are taking place.
Common conditions are flanging, wheel squeal, wheel rail impact,
corrugations and steel structure noise. The project developed a
software system which uses sound to identify areas of track
requiring maintenance attention.
Status:
The Rail CRC project team developed a prototype on-board rail noise
and wear assessment system, with testing undertaken at the
Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) in the USA in 2005.
Rail Innovation Australia intends to commercialise this technology
for the world rail market.
Industry uptake:
The Rail CRC-developed software, combined with RailCorp developed
hardware, is currently in use by RailCorp, QR and the Australian
Rail Track Corporation.
Present or potential value to industry:
RailCorp is currently using the system to assist meet their State
Government environmental/noise impact monitoring requirements. The
technology was independently assessed by STEM Partnerships in 2006
and was estimated to have the potential to deliver $52.1 million in
risk-free-value to the rail industry over 15 years.
“This Rail CRC research makes Australia a world leader in
wheel squeal noise analysis
."
“The reason we (RailCorp) found this invaluable is that it
enables us to use extremely inexpensive equipment to capture noise
recordings and then car ry out accurate and targeted noise analysis
from recordings collected over an extended period of time.”
“Instead of cost ing $100,000’s to monitor wheel squeal
for extended periods, it can now be done for just a few thousand
dollars.”
Mr David Anderson, Environmental Specialist,
RailCorp. Project 36 Rail Noise and Wear
Assessment System
