SEA Modelling Approach of Rail Vehicle Interior Noise Considering Complete Carbody Composite Structures

The interior noise prediction model is a valuable tool for estimating the interior noise level and obtaining important influencing parameters during the low-noise design stage of rail vehicles. Existing interior noise prediction models, however, have some flaws in their consideration of composite carbody structures. The SEA approach is used to establish a rail vehicle interior noise prediction model that takes into account the complete carbody composite structures, which include aluminium extrusion, porous sound-absorbing material, and layered interior structure. The aluminium extrusion is equivalent to an orthotropic plate subsystem, while porous sound-absorbing material and the layered interior structure are modelled as a lay-up noise control treatment on the plate subsystem. Analytical expressions are used to calculate the corresponding SEA parameters. The prediction model has been validated with test results and shows good accuracy from 200 to 800 Hz in 1/3 octave frequency bands, which offers a novel approach to rail vehicle interior noise prediction and a helpful tool for comparing the various noise control treatments.