Experimental and computational validation of a scaled train tunnel model using modal analysis

Abstract

Acoustic engineers are faced with the challenge of minimising reverberation time in their designs so as to contribute to the health and well-being of those traveling by train and those on the platforms. Although the problem is easy to identify, it is not as simple to solve. The acoustical environment of a train tunnel is complex, with a variety of noise contributing factors such as train announcements, speech of commuters, ventilation systems, electrical equipment and wheel and rail noise. As a result, there is some difficulty in modeling the complete acoustic environment with computational or acoustic first principles. In this study, an experimental rig was constructed to model the acoustic behavior within a tunnel. The modal properties for the 300 Hz to 1500 Hz range, including resonances and mode shapes were identified and were shown to successfully correspond to theoretical results and a computational model created in COMSOL using Finite Element Analysis.

Keywords

reverberation time / acoustic environment / modal properties / resonances

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Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg