In this paper, experimental and computational studies of the method of controlling the tension of bearing rings using the acoustoelasticity effect, based on measuring the characteristics of surface elastic waves propagating in a stressed medium, are carried out. Tuning samples of bearing rings tension on the axle neck of a freight car wheelset with an error of no more than 7 microns were developed and manufactured. Certification of a hydraulic stand for loading bearing rings, simulating their press fit on the axle, was performed. For surface waves, the acoustoelastic coefficient was measured by a Rayleigh wave pulse that repeatedly circled the ring. The correlation method for determining the delay time of a wave in a loaded ring relative to the unloaded one is optimized according to the condition of error minimization. The main reasons for the appearance of errors and uncertainties in the absolute time of propagation of a surface wave through the ring are considered: the influence of waves reflected from the boundaries, the curvature of the surface, and attenuation. The bearing ring tension was measured using the acoustoelasticity effect and the uncertainty of the stress measurement was estimated.

Designed and manufactured samples of the interference fit of the bearing rings on the neck of wheelset axle. The hydraulic stand for loading bearing rings has been certified. The stand simulates the pressing fit of rings on the axis. A mathematical model of the method for monitoring mechanical stresses of the bearing ring by the acoustoelastic method for chordal sounding has been created and solved. The model takes into account the change in the angle between the direction of wave propagation and the axis of the main mechanical stresses. Experimentally by loading the bearing rings are determined by the coefficient of customproperty longitudinal waves in steel SHKH15. The bearing ring tension was measured using the acoustoelasticity method on the bearing tension samples.