Performance evaluation of novel stiffness-damping interventional rail vibration reduction device and its synergy with traditional tuned rail damper

The vibration of rails directly affects the stability of the track structure and the safety of train operation. Suppressing rail vibrations is a key focus of research in rail transit. The research team proposed a Stiffness-Damping Interventional Rail Vibration Reduction Device (SDIRVRD). This paper investigates the vibration suppression performance of the device when combined with a traditional tuned rail damper (TRD). It also evaluated the influence of the distance between the SDIRVRD and the fastener on the vibration suppression. The research methods included theoretical analysis, finite element simulations, and field tests. The study shows that SDIRVRD significantly outperforms TRD in vibration suppression. When combined with TRD, it exhibits even better vibration suppression performance. When SDIRVRD is installed at the center between the two fasteners, it has the best vibration attenuation effect on the rail and the track bed. When the installation position of the SDIRVRD is shifted towards the fasteners, it notably suppresses the vibrations of the clips. Therefore, the installation position can be adjusted in engineering applications based on specific vibration suppression requirements.