Keeping safety on track
When you think about what makes a good train journey, there’s probably three things that instantly spring to mind: safety, comfort and reliability. With those requirements so high on the agenda for passengers, train operators are continually looking for ways to improve their vehicles for the benefit of their customers. Here, we explore how train builders and OEMs can design solutions which accommodate these factors – for operators, passengers and even freight trains.
To deliver maximum comfort for passengers, as well as getting them to where they’re going safely and reliably, anti-vibration components play an integral role, aiding smoother, quieter and safer operation of trains. For customers, that means more enjoyable journeys, while essential components are protected from the impact of vibration. For maximum impact, these anti-vibration mounts and suspension solutions need to be correctly specified for their precise applications, enabling train builders to incorporate them into the fabric of rail vehicles.
Optimizing vehicle performance
The operational environment of trains means they will always be subject to vibration. Add to that the potential for factors such as track irregularities and defects or wear of wheels, and anti-vibration solutions become an essential consideration in optimizing performance on track. Capable of dampening operational vibrations, anti-vibration mounts can create smoother operation which can be felt by all on-board.
Of course, reducing vibration doesn’t mean limiting movement. Some components – such as engines and cooling systems – may naturally move or vibrate during operation. In these circumstances, anti-vibration mounts can protect other internal components from the effects of vibration, allowing the piece of equipment to operate as designed. In turn, this facilitates performance by enabling individual components to operate in optimum conditions, isolating vibration and preventing its transfer to other equipment, essentially maximizing reliability.
Cutting down on noise
There are many variables when it comes to passenger comfort. From temperate and seat design through to space and humidity, there are many aspects which can impact passengers’ journeys. Noise is another critical factor to consider. The constant rumbling is a common characteristic of the railways, but it’s something which can severely impact levels of comfort for passengers – particularly during long journeys. For freight trains, the same issue can often be magnified, causing discomfort for the driver.
By building in anti-vibration solutions from the earliest design stages, train builders can minimize the impact of noise. For passenger trains, that will mean quieter and more comfortable journeys for customers, while on freight vehicles, workers will be provided with safer working conditions.
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