Experimental investigation on vibration behaviour of a CRH train at speed of 350 km/h

The objective of the article is to investigate the vibration characteristic and the long-term service performance of a China Railway High-speed (CRH) train at operation speed of 350 km/h through on-track field tests. The article first introduces the test method and system as well as the field conditions including the main parameters of the test train and track. A CRH electric multiple unit (EMU), called the CRH2C, is chosen for the experiment. A duration test lasting for about 2 months is carried out to acquire the data of vehicle vibration acceleration and the wheel profile wear. Based on the test data, the article presents the vibration behaviours of car body, bogie frame and axle box as well as the lateral hunting stability of the train operating at speed of 350 km/h, and the evolution of the train dynamic performance under long-term operation condition. Results show that the vibration accelerations of vehicle components are in a low level when the train runs on a non-ballasted track at the speed of 350 km/h, indicating that both the ride comfort and the running stability are acceptable. Through wheel re-profiling, it is possible to effectively reduce the vibrations of the axle box, the bogie frame and the car body, and thus the train dynamic performance can be kept in an excellent condition in a long period.