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Elastic Train Wheels Noise Reduction for Urban rail transit

August 18, 2025
Latest company news about Elastic Train Wheels Noise Reduction for Urban rail transit

Train wheels with damping rings significantly cut noise levels, improve passenger comfort, and help railway operators comply with modern noise regulations.

When we talk about the strength of train wheels with damping rings, we are essentially evaluating two aspects:

  1. Mechanical strength of the forged wheel itself

  2. Impact of damping rings on wheel strength and durability

1. Mechanical Strength of Train Wheels

Train wheels (whether or not fitted with damping rings) are forged steel, heat-treated, and must comply with EN 13262, AAR M-107/M-208, or GOST standards.
Typical strength values are:

  • Tensile strength (Rm): 850 – 1,050 MPa

  • Yield strength (Re): ≥ 550 – 600 MPa

  • Hardness (web & hub): 260 – 320 HB (Brinell)

  • Fracture toughness: ≥ 30 MPa√m (to resist crack growth)

  • Fatigue strength: Designed for ≥ 1.5–2.0 million load cycles under standard axle loads

This ensures the wheel can withstand high axle loads (up to 25–35 tons/axle for freight, 17–22 tons for passenger trains) and harsh braking/rolling forces.

2. Influence of Damping Rings

  • Structural Integrity: The damping ring does not reduce the wheel’s strength. The forged steel wheel retains its full load-bearing capacity.

  • Mounting Method: Damping rings are usually press-fitted or clamped onto the wheel web. They do not interfere with the wheel tread, hub, or rim, which are the primary load-bearing sections.

  • Durability: Rings are designed to survive 200,000–400,000 km service life before replacement. They work by absorbing vibration energy, not by carrying mechanical loads.

  • Thermal Resistance: Modern damping rings are heat-resistant (up to ~200–250 °C) to withstand braking heat.

3. Conclusion on Strength

  • The mechanical strength of a train wheel with a damping ring is the same as a standard forged wheel, meeting all international safety standards.

  • The damping ring adds vibration damping but does not compromise fatigue, tensile, or impact strength.

  • Overall, the wheel remains fully capable of withstanding heavy axle loads and dynamic stresses while providing noise reduction benefits.