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Vibration Testing for Rail Applications: Qualification in Accordance with DIN EN 61373 and DIN EN 50155
Rail vehicle components are subjected to considerable stresses during operation. Vibrations, shocks, and changing environmental conditions place high demands on materials, design, and electronics. To ensure that components achieve the required service lives and reliably perform safety-critical functions, they must be qualified in accordance with relevant standards before entering series production. RST conducts this qualification in its vibration laboratory in accordance with the relevant international and European standards.
Why Vibration Testing Is Necessary for Rail Applications
A train represents a continuous stress situation for every component installed. Every passage through a switch, every braking maneuver, every acceleration, every door slam, and every unevenness in the track generates vibrations and shocks. Over an operational lifespan of approximately 30 years (or 5 years for electronics), these stresses accumulate into a level of strain that no component can survive by chance. Validation must be provided prior to installation, not during operation.
The applicable standards define specific test procedures for this purpose, including load profiles, frequencies, amplitudes, and durations. These are based on real-world operating conditions and are designed so that passing the tests ensures reliable operation over the required service life.
DIN EN 61373 (VDE 0115-106): Vibration and Shock Tests
DIN EN 61373 is the primary standard for vibration and shock testing of railway vehicle equipment. It defines load profiles for various installation locations on the vehicle (such as the car body, bogie, or wheel set) and specifies the mechanical stresses that a component must be proven to withstand.
The tests typically include:
- Sine-wave and broadband noise vibration tests to simulate operational vibrations
- Shock tests to simulate impact loads
- Long-term tests to simulate fatigue stresses over the service life
The standard is intended for manufacturers of mechanical, electrical, and electronic assemblies for rail vehicles and forms the basis for approval by operators and regulatory authorities.
DIN EN 50155 (VDE 0115-200): Electronic Equipment in Vehicles
DIN EN 50155 supplements DIN EN 61373 by addressing the qualification of electronic equipment under real-world environmental and operating conditions. It requires comprehensive testing for temperature, humidity, dust, electromagnetic compatibility, insulation, and protection against overvoltage.
Specifically, this applies, for example, to:
- Control units, inverters, and power electronics
- Passenger information systems and communication technology
- Sensors, actuators, and measurement systems
- Cables, connectors, and interfaces
Without certification according to this standard, it is practically impossible to obtain approval for electronic components intended for use in rail vehicles.
Applicable Standards for Comprehensive Qualification
Depending on the specific application, additional standards may supplement the test scope. Among the most important are:
- DIN EN 60068-2-6: Vibration (sinusoidal)
- DIN EN 60068-2-27: Shock
- DIN EN 60068-2-53: Combined climatic and dynamic tests
- DIN EN 60068-2-57: Time-varying methods and sinusoidal pulses
- DIN EN 60068-2-64: Vibration, broadband noise (digitally controlled)
- DIN EN 60255-21-1 through -3: Vibration, shock, continuous shock, and seismic tests on relays and protective devices
Which standards apply to your component depends on its intended location, function, and the requirements of the client or the relevant regulatory authority. We would be happy to advise you based on your specific project requirements.
The Benefits of a Standards-Compliant Vibration Test
Full qualification in accordance with the specified standards offers measurable benefits:
- Longer service life: Fatigue damage is identified early and can be corrected through design changes.
- Fewer operational failures: Documented, robust components reduce unplanned maintenance and operational disruptions.
- Protection of safety-critical systems: Electronics with safety-critical functions remain reliably operational under realistic loads.
- Traceable documentation: Test reports support certifications, audits, and failure mode analyses.
- Lower life-cycle costs: Early qualification significantly reduces total costs over the service life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vibration Testing for Rail Applications
Which standard applies to my component?
That depends on the installation location, the function, and the client’s specifications. Generally, DIN EN 61373 serves as the basis for mechanical testing, while DIN EN 50155 applies to electronic components. We’ll provide you with personalized advice on this.
How long does a vibration test take?
The duration depends on the selected test profile. Individual categories according to DIN EN 61373 may take just a few hours, whereas comprehensive long-term tests designed to simulate the service life can last several days.
Do I need to be on-site with my component?
No, that is not necessary. We test your component in our vibration laboratory and provide you with the results in a detailed test report. Of course, you are welcome to be present during the test if you wish.
Are you planning a vibration test?
Contact us. We’ll support you every step of the way – from consultation and selecting the appropriate standards to the test itself and the final documentation:
📞 Phone: +49 (0)3302 49982 60
📧 E-Mail: info@rst-labs.de
🌐 Web: www.rst-labs.com