Advanced acoustic signal analysis used for wheel-flat detection

Abstract One of the most important aspects in the operation of rail vehicles is the implementation of transport while ensuring safety and comfort of passengers. Technical condition of the wheel rolling surfaces has a direct impact on these factors. These elements are subject to wear and tear in a continuous and discrete form. One of the discrete wear forms is the wheel-flat on wheel rolling surfaces that generate impulse noise. This translates into a significant deterioration of vibroacoustic comfort, and in extreme cases also to a greater risk associated with e.g. derailment of the vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable in particular by the rolling stock operator to carry out cyclic diagnostics and monitoring of the condition of wheel rolling surfaces. This paper is a continuation in a series of research articles carried out by the authors related to vibroacoustic diagnostics of wheel rolling surfaces in light rail vehicles. As part of this article, acoustic measurements were carried out at a dedicated track-side system during so-called pass-by tests. Acoustic signals were analyzed in accordance with the Fourier and Hilbert transforms. Additionally, the main assumptions of vibroacoustic diagnostics and analyses of point measures were used. This allowed for the development of yet another way of monitoring the occurrence of the problem of wheel flats in rail vehicles.