Research on Structure Optimization and Damping Performance of the Mesh-Type Elastic Pad for Rail Transport

Abstract Damping tracks with elastic pads are widely utilized for their excellent vibration reduction capabilities and cost-effectiveness, with the elastic pad being the core component. Due to the low material utilization of the existing under slab mat-type elastic pad (UTEP), the research team proposed a new mesh-type elastic pad (MTEP). This study optimizes the design of the MTEP by introducing grooves at the bottom to address drainage issues, and compares their mechanical properties with the UTEP. The analysis reveals that the maximum stress of the MTEP is significantly lower, and its damping performance is notably superior to that of the UTEP. An MTEP prototype was fabricated and subjected to a drop hammer impact experiment, demonstrating a damping effect exceeding 10 dB. Furthermore, a vehicle–damping track with elastic pad coupled dynamics model was established, and its accuracy was validated using measured data. The model's accuracy was validated against experimental data, and the simulation results indicate that the damping track with the MTEP exhibits superior structural stability, vehicle operational quality, and damping performance compared to the damping track with the UTEP.