Performance analysis and optimization of rail vibration absorbers based on acoustic black hole structure for suppressing short-wave rail corrugation

To effectively address the rail corrugation problem, a new type of vibration absorber with a simple structure and convenient installation was designed based on the theories of wheel–rail friction-induced self-excited vibration and rail surface irregularity-induced feedback vibration by combining the rail vibration absorber with an acoustic black hole (ABH) structure. The differences in vibration suppression performance between the original dynamic vibration absorber and the new vibration absorber under smooth rail surfaces and various rail corrugation conditions were investigated, and the optimal design of the new vibration absorber was carried out. The results showed that the installation of vibration absorbers could effectively improve the stability of the wheel–rail system and suppress friction-induced self-excited vibrations between the wheel and rail. Compared with the original dynamic vibration absorber, the new vibration absorber could more effectively reduce the peak values of wheel–rail contact force and vertical vibration acceleration of the rail surface within the short-wave rail corrugation frequency range, thereby inhibiting the generation and development of short-wave rail corrugation. Through the single-factor experimental method, considering processing technology and structural strength, the optimal parameter combination of the new vibration absorber based on the ABH structure is as follows: truncation thickness 0.5 mm, a power exponent of 2, damping layer length 100 mm, and damping layer thickness 1 mm.