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Experimental and computational validation of a scaled train tunnel model using modal analysis

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Abstract

Acoustic engineers are faced with the challenge of minimising reverberation time in their designs so as to contribute to the health and well-being of those traveling by train and those on the platforms. Although the problem is easy to identify, it is not as simple to solve. The acoustical environment of a train tunnel is complex, with a variety of noise contributing factors such as train announcements, speech of commuters, ventilation systems, electrical equipment and wheel and rail noise. As a result, there is some difficulty in modeling the complete acoustic environment with computational or acoustic first principles. In this study, an experimental rig was constructed to model the acoustic behavior within a tunnel. The modal properties for the 300 Hz to 1500 Hz range, including resonances and mode shapes were identified and were shown to successfully correspond to theoretical results and a computational model created in COMSOL using Finite Element Analysis.

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Correspondence to Sangarapillai Kanapathipillai.

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D’Souza, J.B., Kanapathipillai, S. Experimental and computational validation of a scaled train tunnel model using modal analysis. Front. Mech. Eng. 8, 420–428 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11465-013-0281-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11465-013-0281-7

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