Bi-Directional Dynamic Vibration Absorber for Small-Radius Curved Track Systems: Design and Performance Evaluation

Abstract

Low-frequency vibration amplification in steel-spring floating slab track is especially significant in small-radius curves. To mitigate this issue, a novel bi-directional dynamic vibration absorber (Bi-DVA) is proposed to effectively suppress such vibrations and improve the stability of the track system. A coupled dynamic model, which integrates the vehicle, curved track segment, floating slab, and Bi-DVA, was developed using extended fixed-point theory, vehicle-track coupled dynamics theory, and finite element analysis. The optimal configuration of the Bi-DVA’s parameters was thoroughly explored, and its performance under various operational conditions was assessed in terms of vibration reduction and enhancement of wheel-rail safety metrics. The vertical and lateral vibration amplitudes of the floating slab were reduced by up to 10.2 dB and 8.9 dB. The vertical and lateral accelerations of the rail were decreased by 11.7 m/s² and 1.82 m/s², and the peak vertical and lateral accelerations of the vehicle body dropped by 0.44 m/s² and 0.19 m/s², respectively. Additionally, the derailment coefficient was reduced by 0.08, and the wheel load reduction rate decreased by 0.06.