RUBBER CRUMB AS A DAMPING MATERIAL IN RAILCAR MANUFACTURING: IMPLEMENTATION PROSPECTS AND MODELING

Abstract

The article explores the prospects of using rubber crumb as a damping material in railway car construction, taking into account current requirements for vibration and noise reduction in railway transport. Rubber crumb, produced through the recycling of used tires, is presented as an environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative to traditional damping materials. The paper highlights the physical and mechanical properties of rubber crumb, particularly its ability to absorb mechanical vibrations and loads during railcar operation. Numerical modeling of structural elements incorporating rubber damping components was carried out, specifically using the finite element method. The simulation results demonstrated a reduction in vibration amplitude and stress levels in key structural nodes when a layer of rubber crumb was integrated into the running gear. The study also considered the influence of granule size distribution and compaction density on the damping performance. Special attention is given to the technological aspects of manufacturing rubber components, their durability, resistance to climatic factors, and adaptability to existing wagon designs. The article outlines potential directions for further research, including experimental validation of rubber crumb efficiency under real-world conditions, as well as the development of advanced composites based on rubber crumb with enhanced characteristics. Thus, the findings confirm the feasibility of implementing rubber crumb as an innovative damping material in railcar manufacturing. This approach not only improves the comfort and safety of passenger and freight transportation but also contributes to addressing the environmental challenge of waste tire disposal.