Paul J. Remington

Wheel/rail rolling noise, I: Theoretical analysis

A comprehensive analytical model of the wayside noise generated by a railroad wheel rolling on straight track is presented. The model assumes that the small‐scale roughness on the running surfaces of the wheel and rail is the primary mechanism for the noise generation. Included in the model are such effects as the spatial filtering of the roughness due to the finite area of contact between the wheel and rail; the interaction between the wheel and rail, including local contact stiffness; axial response of the wheel; the radiation efficiencies of the wheel and rail; and the influence of sound propagation, including finite ground impedance.

Wheel/rail rolling noise, II: Validation of the theory

An analytical model for the prediction of wheel/rail noise is validated through comparison with measurements made using the state‐of‐the art car (SOAC) on a test track. Predictions of wheel and rail vibrations and wayside noise are seen to agree reasonably well with measurements although areas of uncertainty remain. Model improvements to reduce discrepancies between theory and measurement are discussed.

Structure-Borne Sound: Structural Vibrations and Sound Radiation at Audio Frequencies (3rd Edition)

This article reviews Structure-Borne Sound: Structural Vibrations and Sound Radiation at Audio Frequencies (3rd Edition) by L. Cremer, M. Heckl, B. A. T. Petersson , Berlin, 2005. 607 pp. Price:

Comparison of Statistical Energy Analysis power flow predictions with an ’’exact’’ calculation

199.00 (hardcover), ISBN: 3540226966.

Reduction of turbulent boundary layer induced interior noise through active impedance control.

Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) predictions of the power flow between two multimodal dynamic systems, i.e., two rods vibrating in compression, are compared with an exact calculation. The exact calculation when averaged in sufficiently broad frequency bands is found to agree closely with the SEA predictions for both strong and weak coupling.Subject Classification: 45.40.

Sound attenuation system and related method

The use of a single actuator tuned to an optimum impedance to control the sound power radiated from a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) excited aircraft panel into the aircraft interior is examined. An approach to calculating the optimum impedance is defined and the limitations on the reduction in radiated power by a single actuator tuned to that impedance are examined. It is shown that there are too many degrees of freedom in the TBL and in the radiation modes of the panel to allow a single actuator to control the radiated power. However, if the panel modes are lightly damped and well separated in frequency, significant reductions are possible. The implementation of a controller that presents a desired impedance to a structure is demonstrated in a laboratory experiment, in which the structure is a mass. The performance of such a controller on an aircraft panel is shown to be effective, if the actuator impedance is similar to but not the same as the desired impedance, provided the panel resonances are well separated in frequency and lightly damped.

A hybrid active/passive exhaust noise control system for locomotives

The present invention is noise attenuation system and related method for suppressing noise generated by a noise source, such as a jet engine, contained in a housing. An impedance device is positioned in the housing to attenuate the amplitude of sound waves generated by the noise source propagating in one direction and to create a reflected sound wave. The reflected sound wave is out of phase with the sound waves propagating from the noise source away from the impedance device. The reflected sound wave destructively interferes with this sound wave to attenuate the amplitude.

Active Control of Low-Speed Fan Tonal Noise Using Actuators Mounted in Stator Vanes: Part III Results

A prototype hybrid system consisting of active and passive components for controlling far-field locomotive exhaust noise has been designed, assembled, and tested on a locomotive. The system consisted of a resistive passive silencer for controlling high-frequency broadband noise and a feedforward multiple-input, multiple-output active control system for suppressing low-frequency tonal noise. The active system used ten roof-mounted bandpass speaker enclosures with 2-12-in. speakers per enclosure as actuators, eight roof-mounted electret microphones as residual sensors, and an optical tachometer that sensed locomotive engine speed as a reference sensor. The system was installed on a passenger locomotive and tested in an operating rail yard. Details of the system are described and the near-field and far-field noise reductions are compared against the design goal.

Performance of an Active Noise Control System for Fan Tones Using Vane Actuators

A test program to demonstrate simplification of Active Noise Control (ANC) systems relative to standard techniques was performed on the NASA Glenn Active Noise Control Fan from May through September 2001. The target mode was the m = 2 circumferential mode generated by the rotor-stator interaction at 2BPF. Seven radials (combined inlet and exhaust) were present at this condition. Several different error-sensing strategies were implemented. Integration of the error-sensors with passive treatment was investigated. These were: (i) an in-duct linear axial array, (ii) an induct steering array, (iii) a pylon-mounted array, and (iv) a near-field boom array. The effect of incorporating passive treatment was investigated as well as reducing the actuator count. These simplified systems were compared to a fully ANC specified system. Modal data acquired using the Rotating Rake are presented for a range of corrected fan rpm. Simplified control has been demonstrated to be possible but requires a well-known and dominant mode signature. The documented results here in are part III of a three-part series of reports with the same base title. Part I and II document the control system and error-sensing design and implementation.

Prediction of the effectiveness of noise control treatments in urban rail elevated structures

An Active Noise Control (ANC) system for ducted fan noise was built that uses actuators located in stator vanes. The custom designed actuators A,ere piezoelectric benders manufactured using THUNDER technology. The ANC system was tested in the NASA Active Noise Control Fan rig. A total of 168 actuators in 28 stator vanes were used (six per vane). Simultaneous inlet and exhaust acoustic power level reductions were demonstrated for a fan modal structure that contained two radial modes in each direction. Total circumferential mode power levels were reduced by up to 9 dB in the inlet and 3 dB in the exhaust. The corresponding total 2BPF tone level reductions were by 6 dB in the inlet and 2 dB in the exhaust. Farfield sound pressure level reductions of up to 17 dB were achieved at the peak mode lobe angle. The performance of the system was limited by the constraints of the power amplifiers and the presence of control spillover. Simpler control/actuator systems using carefully selected subsets of the full system and random simulated failures of up to 7% of the actuators were investigated. (The actuators were robust and none failed during the test). Useful reductions still occurred under these conditions.