Intelligent Data-Driven Wheel-Rail Interface Optimization for Reduced Wear and Noise

Minimize abrasion and noise to extend the service life of infrastructure and increase ride comfort.

A suboptimal wheel-rail interface can lead to discomfort for passengers, damage to infrastructure, and higher maintenance costs. With increasing utilization, heterogeneity on the rails, and high cost pressure, optimization potential is becoming increasingly valuable.

Parametric’s measurement and control systems offer a solution by using high-resolution measurements and real-time control.

How it works

• Intelligent analysis of vibrations, noises, and mechanical shocks detects anomalies
• Edge-based processing ensures immediate detection and response (e.g. rail lubrication via a pump installed on the vehicle)

Main advantages

• Extends the service life of infrastructure by reducing stress on the rails
• Improves the passenger experience with smoother and more comfortable journeys
• Reduces long-term maintenance costs for rail operators

The cause of vibrations and noise in rail transport

Vibrations and noise in rail transport are mainly caused by the dynamic interaction between train wheels and rails. The most important influencing factors include:

• Wheel-rail interaction: irregularities on wheel or rail surfaces can lead to uneven contact, causing vibrations and noise, caused by wear, defects, or misalignment
• Rail irregularities: variations in track geometry, such as misalignments or uneven settlement, can generate dynamic forces when trains pass over them
• Train speed: higher speeds increase the dynamic forces at the wheel-rail interface and increase the likelihood of vibrations
• Structural resonance: certain track or vehicle components may have natural frequencies that are excited by passing trains, causing them to resonate and amplify vibrations

Continuous monitoring and optimization of wheel-rail dynamics are essential to minimize vibrations and improve the overall performance of rail transport.

Contact us for quieter, more sustainable vehicles and infrastructure!