Effect of sound-absorbing material in roof for reducing aerodynamic pantograph noise on Shinkansen trains

Abstract

Aerodynamic noise emitted from a pantograph is a major source of noise in the course of Shinkansen operation, as aerodynamic noise increases proportionately to the sixth power of the train’s speed. To reduce pantograph noise on Shinkansen trains, we have developed low-noise pantographs and pantograph noise-insulation plates with more effective shapes in the past. In this study, the installation of sound-absorbing materials for pantograph noise-insulation plates and roof covers to further reduce pantograph noise was tested with a mock-up. In addition, we conducted running tests using a Shinkansen high-speed test train and confirmed that pantograph peak noise level can be reduced by more than 1dB when applying sound-absorbing materials.