Effect of damped cavities on the vibration characteristics of rail pads

Vibrations induced by moving trains adversely affect railway tracks, nearby infrastructure, and the surrounding environment, necessitating improved track design. The rail pad, positioned between the rail and sleeper, plays a critical role in vibration mitigation; however, conventional rail pads exhibit limited performance due to fixed material and geometric properties. To address this limitation, this study proposes two novel configurations: hollow meshed rail pads (HMRP) and damping material-filled rail pads (DMFRP), incorporating modified geometry and enhanced material composition. Experimental investigations are conducted on a railway track using a servo-controlled hydraulic actuator simulating train speeds of 150 to 300 km/h. A corresponding mathematical model is developed to predict their dynamic behavior. Results show that HMRP and DMFRP achieve significant vibration reduction, with acceleration reductions of up to 31.58% across track components. Finite element analysis is performed to evaluate stiffness and stress distribution, while damping tests assess energy dissipation characteristics. Overall, the proposed rail pads outperform conventional designs, demonstrating strong potential for enhanced vibration mitigation in railway track systems.