The paper is devoted to the derivation of the noise level dependences and vibration velocities of elements and units of the drive system of the rail grinding machines. It should be noted that the vibro-acoustic characteristics of the drive system of rail grinding machines have not been studied enough. The negative impact on the operator of the increased vibration and noise levels is known as diseases caused by noise and vibration are the second and third in the list of occupational diseases. It should be highlighted that the safety in the operation of rail grinders largely depends on operator fatigue, which is actually determined by the influence of vibration and noise. Consequently, the problem of the vibro-acoustic safety of the rail grinding machines is relevant and has both technological and socio-economic significance. This article presents the results of theoretical studies of the processes of vibration excitation and generation of wheelset noise as one of the main causes of the increased noise in the general drive acoustic system of the rail grinders.

The paper presents the obtained results of the vibration studies, particularly, the structural elements of the railway rolling stock, created at the driver workplaces, structures of the internal combustion engines, hoods, frames while moving and a stationary machine, which determine the vibration spectral composition and propose the specific engineering solutions for the noise and vibration protection system.

The paper discusses and solves the problems associated with carrying out full-scale tests of the developed accelerometer sensor mounting system in the “lever gear block-wheel” system under operating conditions, including the main problem of measuring shoe and shoe accelerations, which was the impossibility of installing sensors directly on the shoe or block.

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The operation of the rail grinding machines that use noise and vibration-active parts in their structures inevitably leads to the increased levels of vibration and noise that adversely affect their operators. In this field, the specialists from different countries have carried out certain studies. However, the process of forming the vibro acoustic characteristics of the rail grinding machines has not been studied. It should be also noted that theoretical studies of the vibro acoustic dynamics of the rail grinding machines and methods for calculating the vibration and noise spectra are limited, which significantly complicates the substantiation of the engineering solutions to reduce the sound emission intensity of the dominant noise sources. Due to the negative impact of the elevated noise levels on rail grinding machine’s operators, it is necessary for the design stages with appropriate vibro acoustic characteristics that meet requirements of the sanitary standards. The main practically and technologically possible way to align noise emission level is the choice of the sound-absorbing materials and the achievement of the sound insulation, based on the fulfillment of the sanitary noise standards. The article describes the rationale for choosing the sound-absorbing materials for the operator’s cabin of the rail-grinding machine due to the reduction of the air noise component, which is more common than the structural one. A criterion for minimizing acoustic characteristics inside the operator’s cabin is determined to select the most rational engineering method of the sound absorption.