Investigation of dynamic motions and vibration reduction methods in railway vehicles

Abstract

Rail transportation is remaining its importance day by day because it is safe and convenient to carry more people and goods. With the demand for rail vehicles, expectations have increased especially in terms of comfort and speed, so the studies have been accelerated on the dynamic effects on rail vehicles to be a solution. Vibrations resulting vertical and lateral dynamic movements cannot supply the expected level in terms of vehicle safety, handling and comfort at high speeds. In the studies focused on suspension systems for reducing the dynamic effects, active and semi-active suspension technologies, which contain a control mechanism in place of conventional passive systems, have come to the forefront. In addition to passive elements, in the active suspension systems actuators and controllers are added to the system, while in semi-active suspension systems, it is tried to find a solution by controlling only the damping element without adding the actuator to the system. Another method that is developed to reduce vibration is the optimization of suspension systems. In this review, the dynamic motions in rail vehicles, methods of modeling and rood inputs are examined and the effect of active, semi-active system and optimization methods on reducing vehicle vibrations are discussed. It is concluded that the most effective method for reducing vibration was active systems but is not feasible in practice. In the present study, it is aimed to guide the future researchers who will practice on modeling and reducing the vibrations of railway vehicles.