Modelling the vibrational characteristics and radiated sound power for a Y25-type bogie and wagon

A theoretical investigation has considered the vibrational characteristics of the bogie and wagon to quantify the noise freight wagons. This study presents the analysis of the bogie by finite element methods (FEM) to cover the lower-frequency range. The wagon has been analyzed using a statistical energy analysis (SEA) approach. The accelerances on the bogie have been calculated and the sensitivity to excitation evaluated. The calculation of sound power for force inputs has also been determined. Complementary experimental results show the predictions to be in good agreement. The wagon has not been examined specifically to identify detailed response and radiated sound; instead it is possible to consider the response of larger identifiable structural areas such as the doors, walls, roof, etc. The response of these larger areas can also be used to predict the transfer functions from radiated sound power for forces applied at the connection points. Good agreement has been obtained with experimental measurements. (C) 2000 Academic Press.