Influence of Damping Solutions on the Dynamic Response of Freight Wagons

Structures subjected to random excitations require efficient vibration control to ensure safety and operational performance. This is particularly relevant for freight wagons, where heavy loads and demanding service conditions call for robust yet cost-effective suspension systems. Traditionally, dry friction damping has been the preferred solution due to its simplicity and durability. However, recent studies have proposed alternative approaches, such as viscoelastic and viscous damping, to enhance vibration attenuation and consistency over time. In this work, the dynamic response of a reduced-scaled freight wagon model is investigated using a combined experimental–numerical framework. Natural frequencies were identified experimentally using both direct peak-picking on the experimental Power Spectral Densities (PSD) and Stochastic Subspace Identification (SSI) methods, while a finite element (FE) model was developed to replicate the observed modal behavior. The comparison between experimental and numerical results demonstrated good agreement, confirming the validity of the model. These findings establish a foundation for future assessment of damping strategies, including dry friction and viscoelastic systems, for improved freight wagon design.