Abstract:

Strict requirements of low-noise produced by subway railcars call for quantitative evaluation of the
acoustic characteristics of the wheels. The evaluation method should be easy, practical and persuasive. Measurements
are made on noise characteristics of subway railcar wheels with three different structures and excited in different
directions. Coefficients of radiation and attenuation are studied. Based on the comparison and analysis, conclusions
are reached that wheels with straight radial plate and retarding disc is the best in terms of acoustics. This type of
wheels produces low radiation of noise and fast attenuation. This study provides an experimental foundation to the
development of low noise urban railcars.

Key words: subway railcar wheel, noise measurement, attenuation coefficient, radiation coefficient