Control of Wave Reflection-Induced Rail Corrugation and Associated Rolling Noise on High-Elastic Fastener Tracks

Short-pitch rail corrugation is prevalent on metro tracks with high-elastic fasteners and is closely linked to rolling noise. Field measurements show that the in situ pass-by noise reaches its maximum in the 600 Hz–1 kHz range. In the present work, the growth processes of short-pitch rail corrugation are investigated in the time domain by considering wheel–track dynamics, rolling mechanics and wear characteristics on tracks with high-elastic fasteners. The results confirm that wave reflections between wheels cause rapid development of short-pitch rail corrugation on tracks equipped with high-elastic fasteners. It is also found that a promising measure to mitigate this type of rail corrugation is to adjust the wheel intervals. Furthermore, the rail-related component of rolling noise is analyzed, and a rail vibration absorber is introduced into the wheel-track system. Both the simulated results and in situ measured pass-by noise demonstrate that rolling noise and rail corrugation within the 600 Hz–1 kHz range exhibit a strong intrinsic coupling. Thus, rail vibration absorbers offer dual benefits: suppressing corrugation growth and reducing associated rail-borne noise.