A mathematical model is presented for the squeal noise generated by trains
when traversing tight curves. Curve squeal is presumed to arise from latera
l crabbing of the wheels across the rail head. This induces a lateral frict
ion force acting at the contact of each wheel with the rail. An individual
wheel then performs out-of-plane oscillations which are radiated and heard
as squeal. This phenomenon is modelled by considering a flat round disc, wi
th several out-of-plane modes, excited at one point along the edge by a dry
-friction force (typically a stick/slip force) which is dependent on the di
sc velocity. An iteration scheme is developed which gives the time history
of the disc velocity. The iteration is straightforward and only requires th
e impulse response (or the Green's function) of the disc and the functional
dependence between friction force and disc velocity (friction characterist
ic). The numerical simulations produce time histories that show transient p
henomena, such as exponential amplitude growth and the onset of limit cycle
s. The way these phenomena are influenced by some parameters, in particular
the modal loss factors of the disc and its crabbing speed, will be examine
d. Practical methods to reduce or eliminate curve squeal will be discussed.
(C) 2000 Academic Press.