Wheel-rail squeal sound reduction using top of rail friction modifier: a case study

The railway is an economical and environmentally friendly mode of transport for long distances, however, it creates a significant amount of sound fromdifferent parts. Squeal is one of the most disturbing noises from railways. Noise is one of the main factors that can have a damaging effect on the quality ofthe living environment. Therefore, infrastructure managers have to consider all possible actions that can reduce noise from railway traffic. Among the differenttypes of sounds generating from railways, one of the most disturbing is squeal sound in the wheel-rail interface. The present paper focuses on the differentsqueal phenomenon in the wheel-rail interface. Several researchers have shown that friction modifier can significantly reduce the squealing sound. However,they can also cause low friction and hence cause safety issues. The present study discussed two field tests. The first test identifies the different location in thewheel-rail interface where squeal noise can be created. In the same field test, the friction modifier was applied to those location weathers, to check if frictionmodifier eliminate or minimise the squealing noise. The second field test was focused on friction reduction by applying friction modifier. In addition, thestudy has also reported the experience of the drivers about the braking capability when friction modifier is applied.