Research, development and application of contemporary techniques and technologies in dynamics, acoustics, vibration and control engineering to solve local and global challenges in transport.

Train floor panel durability testing at UTS Tech Lab

Next-generation noise and vibration capabilities

THEME LEADER

A/Prof Ben Halkon


Co-leaders

A/Prof Sebastian Oberst 

A/Prof JC Ji

This theme aspires to apply the latest capabilities in dynamics, vibration, acoustics and control for sensors/transducers, data acquisition and signal processing to the unique local and more globally relevant engineering challenges in above and below rail contexts. Colleagues from this TRC theme also lead our unique UTS Tech Lab Vibration Lab, Acoustics Labs and Structural Dynamics Testing Facility as well as our city centre campus located Dynamics and Mechanics of Solids Laboratory.

Our world-leading capabilities

  • Non-contact vibration measurement techniques, especially laser Doppler vibrometry, digital image correlation (DIC), LiDAR/V for geometrical campaigns, fibre-optic based approaches (fibre Bragg and Brillouin scattering) and other associated approaches.
  • The development of analytical, numerical and computational simulation and prediction techniques, especially for structural and acoustics problems and their correlation from experimental datasets.
  • Multi-body simulation and finite element model updating.
  • Non-destructive testing, vibration qualification testing, pseudo-static and dynamic testing, experimental and numerical modal analysis for structural dynamic characterisation.

Projects and partners

  • Long-term partner SiteHive and Sydney Metro – (Rail) Construction Noise Acoustic Classification using unique, AI-based signal processing capabilities and contemporary Internet-of-Things hardware applied within Detailed Noise and Vibration Impact Statement to effectively manage construction site noise and impact on sensitive receivers (Assoc. Prof. Benjamin Halkon and Dr Sipei Zhao).
  • Alstom Transport Australia Pty Ltd – large-scale structural testing of train car floor assembly and associated systems for improved NVH performance, durability and verification of suitability for purpose in EMU and DMU (Assoc. Profs. Benjamin Halkon and Jinchen Ji).
  • Acoustic Studio – locomotive muffler modelling and experimental validation for reduction of heavy haul loco noise in areas of sensitive receivers (Dr Paul Williams).
  • Acoustic Studio, JHA and Sydney Metro – tunnel lining acoustic performance modelling and verification for effective noise control and mitigation (Dr Mahmoud Karimi and Dr Paul Williams)