Wheel Damper Testing

Location:

  • Eastern Canada

The Challenge:

To find a solution to improve for the noise caused by the Low-Floor Light Rail Vehicle (LFLRV) streetcars when they turn on curved tracks. The noise, known as wheel squeal, can impact the quality of the acoustic environment of communities along streetcar routes.

The Innovation:

Aercoustics tested different wheel damper designs, which are devices that reduce the vibration and noise of the wheels, on three different LFLRVs. We measured the noise levels both inside and outside the streetcars, at a track section where the wheel squeal was occurring. We analyzed the data from various perspectives, such as the frequency, duration, and loudness of the noise, to determine which wheel damper was most effective. Our team delivered comprehensive and innovative services that helped the client determine most effective solution.