Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025

High-precision Electromagnetic Flowmeter with Empty Pipe Detection via Complex Programmable Logic Device-based Waveform Recognition
Published on: June 27, 2025
Wheel Out-of-Roundness Detection Using an Envelope Spectrum Analysis
Vítor Gonçalves1, Araliya Mosleh1, Cecília Vale1
1CONSTRUCT-LESE, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
This paper aims to detect railway vehicle wheel flats and polygonized wheels using an envelope spectrum analysis. First, a brief explanation of railway vehicle wheel problems is presented, focusing particularly on wheel flats and polygonal wheels. Then, three types of wheel flat profiles and three periodic out-of-roundness (OOR) harmonic order ranges for the polygonal wheels are evaluated in the simulations, along with analyses implemented using only healthy wheels for comparison. Moreover, the simulation implements track irregularity profiles modelled based on the US Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). From the numerical calculations, the dynamic responses of several strain gauges (SGs) and accelerometer sensors located on the rail between sleepers are evaluated. Regarding defective wheels, only the right wheel of the first wheelset is considered as a defective wheel, but the detection methodology works for various damaged wheels located in any position. The results from the application of the methodology show that the envelope spectrum analysis successfully distinguishes a healthy wheel from a defective one.
Related Concept Videos
IR Spectrum Peak Splitting: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Vibrations
Detection of Gross Error: The Q Test
Beams with Unsymmetric Loadings
The first moment-area theorem determines the slope at any point on the beam. This theorem indicates that the change in slope between two points on a beam...
Relative Motion Analysis using Rotating Axes-Problem Solving
Here, in order to determine the magnitude of velocity and acceleration for point...
Differential Leveling
Circular Shaft - Stresses in Linear Range

