EN 61373 Vibration Test / IEC 61373 Vibration Test Of Railway Vehicles

EN 61373 Vibration test method specifies the requirements for test items for equipment used in railway rolling stock which, due to the nature of the railway operating environment, are subsequently subjected to vibration and shock. To ensure that the quality of the device is acceptable, it must withstand tests of reasonable duration, simulating the conditions of use throughout its expected life.

Simulated long life testing can be implemented in a number of ways, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, the following are the most common:
a) Amplification: the amplitude increases and the time base decreases;
b) Time compression: keep the amplitude history and reduce the hour base (increase the frequency);
c) Extraction: When the amplitude is lower than the specified threshold, the time slice of historical data is deleted.

The standard is primarily concerned with rolling stock on fixed track systems. However, its wider use is not ruled out. For systems using pneumatic tyres or other transport systems such as trolleybuses, suppliers and customers must agree on the level of testing at the tender stage.

Testing sequence

Vertical, transverse and longitudinal simulated long-life testing by increased random vibration; followed by vertical, transverse and longitudinal shock testing; followed by transportation and handling (when identified/agreed) and finally by vertical, transverse and longitudinal functional random testing.
The test sequence can be changed to minimize re-jigging. The test sequence should be recorded in the report and should be compared during the simulated long life test using a time transfer function in order to determine if any changes have occurred in the simulated long life test.

Functional random vibration test conditions

Test severity and frequency range

Shaker systems shall be tested according to the relevant root-mean-square values and frequency ranges shown in Table 1. When the installation direction of the device is unclear or unknown, the test should be carried out on three axes, with the vertical axis giving the root-mean-square value.

Duration of functional vibration tests

Note 1: The purpose of this test is to demonstrate that the device under test is not affected by the test levels applied, which represent the expected level of use.
Note 2: Imagine that these tests are usually no less than 10 minutes long.
The duration of the functional vibration test shall be sufficient to enable all specified functions to be performed.

Simulated long-life testing at increased random vibration levels

Test severity and frequency range

When the installation direction of the device is unclear or unknown, the device shall perform the vertical test level of Table 2 on all three axes.

Duration of accelerated vibration tests

All categories of equipment should undergo a total conditioning time of 15 hours. This should usually be divided into 5 hours of conditioning time on three axes perpendicular to each other. If the problem of overheating of the equipment is found during the test (such as vibration of rubber parts, etc.), the test is allowed to stop for a period of time in order to return the equipment to normal. However, it must be noted that the total duration of 5hl vibration should be achieved. If the test stops, this should be stated in the report.

Note 1: The device does not need to work during this test.
Note 2: Vibration amplitude can be reduced with prior consent.

As a certified expert in the field of vibration table for testing, we recognize the importance of simulating long-life vibration testing and we will help manufacturers meet EN 61373, BS EN 61373, DS/EN 61373 and IEC 61373 compliance. Develop the perfect solution and guide the company through the whole process.