Local Resonances in Rail Structures

Zero-group velocity (ZGV) modes in rails are studied through simulation and experiments. Local resonances associated with ZGV modes appear as distinct, sharp peaks in the frequency amplitude spectrum, whose resonant frequencies can serve as indicators of the local structural integrity condition of the rail itself, assuming that one can excite, detect, and identify wave mode type with confidence. To better understand these interesting modes, semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) analysis is implemented to compute dispersion curves of a standard rail cross-sectional shape and to identify potential ZGV points and backward waves. Experimental rail dynamic data are collected from a 25-meter free rail sample with multiple excitation-sensor configurations to understand the detectability and excitability of specific resonances associated with ZGV and cutoff frequency points in rails. Spatial sampling of wave disturbance is performed to calculate the dispersion relations experimentally via two-dimensional Fourier transforms (2D-FFTs). The excellent agreement between simulation and experimental results confirms the existence of ZGV modes and cutoff frequency resonances in rails and verifies the feasibility of using impulse-based dynamic tests and piezoelectric devices for the promotion of ZGV modes.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=1239
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/79680
• Summary URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/79681
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Utah, Salt Lake City

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Salt Lake City, UT  United States 

  Mountain-Plains Consortium

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Wu, Yuning
  • Zhu, Xuan
• Publication Date: 2024-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 36p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Finite element method; Nondestructive tests; Railroad rails; Structural analysis; Ultrasonic waves
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01946166
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MPC-672, MPC-24-571
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 18 2025 10:45AM