The research described in this article presents a new contactless method of introducing mechanical vibrations into the base material during CO₂ laser welding of low-carbon steel. The experimental procedure boiled down to subjecting a P235GH steel pipe with a 60 mm diameter, 3.2 mm wall thickness and 500 mm length to acoustic signals with a resonant frequency during the welding process. Acoustic vibrations with a frequency of 1385, 110 and 50 Hz were introduced into the pipe along the axis and transversely from the outer surface. The obtained welds were then subjected to structural tests and Vickers hardness measurements. The results of comparative tests show the impact of such introduced vibrations on the granular structure of the welds, as well as on their microhardness in specific areas, such as the face, penetration depth and the heat-affected zone. The effectiveness of the proposed method of introducing vibrations in the scope of grain size and shape as well as changes in the hardness distribution in the obtained welds is demonstrated.

The almost unlimited possibilities of modern computational tools create the temptation to study phenomena related to the operation of engineering objects exclusively using complex numerical simulations. However, the fascination with multi-parametric complex computational models, whose solutions are obtained using iterative techniques, may result in qualitative discrepancies between reality and virtual simulations. The need to verify on real objects the conclusions obtained from numerical calculations is therefore indisputable. The enormous cost and uniqueness of large-scale test stands significantly limit the possibility of conducting tests under real conditions. The solution may be an experiment focused on testing features relevant to the given task, while minimising the dimensions of the objects under consideration. Such conditions led to the concept of conducting a series of field experiments to verify the effectiveness of prototype track components, which were developed using numerical simulations to reduce the noise caused by passing trains. The main aim of this study is to examine the acoustic efficiency of prototype porous concrete sound absorbing panels, in relation to the ballasted and ballastless track structures. Presented results of the proposed unconventional experiments carried out on an improvised test stand using the recorded acoustic signals confirm the effectiveness of the developed vibroacoustic isolators.

Contemporary tools which help to design technical objects refer to the conclusions drawn from studying the changes of physical processes accompanying the exploitation, especially to vibroacoustic processes. The main problem is to define such vibroacoustic measures, where their changes would model the analyzed physical phenomena in the best way. Basing on simple indicators which refer to occurring phenomena, it is possible to obtain accurate solutions with a satisfactory reliance level without using complex computing techniques needing detailed descriptors. According to the author, the indicators which are based on the analysis of vibroacoustic energy propagation are very useful in solving engineering problems. These indicators are useful while diagnosing the condition of technical systems, identifying and minimizing the vibroacoustic risks. The possibilities of using such indicators in order to find design solution are illustrated by sample results of the research of the structures with vibroacoustic elements which reduce the noise of rail vehicles by the rail vibration damping.

The article presents the results of comparative studies concerning the efficiency of systems aimed at minimising the acoustic nuisance of noise generated by the railway vehicle movement. The issue of noise in railway traffic is a significant challenge, affecting both human health and the quality of life in the vicinity of railway lines. Prototype sound absorbing panels with varied surface geometry, a rubber slab, and ballast layer (stone aggregate, grain size 31.5/50mm) were examined. Experiments were conducted in a reverberation chamber, analysing the response to broadband noise excitation. The reverberation chamber allows for obtaining repeatable results, eliminating the influence of external sound sources. It enables the assessment of the sound absorption properties of various materials which makes it possible to determine their effectiveness in noise reduction. The research methodology included measurements of reverberation time in different frequency bands for an empty chamber and a chamber containing the tested materials. The obtained differences in reverberation times provide information on the influence of the tested material on the distribution of acoustic energy in individual frequency bands. The research results allow for a preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of the tested materials in the task of reducing railway line noise.

Toothed gears constitute the necessary elements of power transmission systems. They are applied as stationary devices in drive systems of road vehicles, ships and crafts as well as airplanes and helicopters. One of the problems related to the toothed gears usage is the determination of their technical state or its evolutions. Assuming that the gear slippage velocity is attributed to vibrations and noises generated by cooperating toothed wheels, the application of a simple cooperation model of rolled wheels of skew teeth is proposed for the analysis of the mesh evolution influence on the gear dynamics. In addition, an example of utilising an ordinary coherence function for investigating evolutionary mesh changes related to the effects impossible to be described by means of the simple kinematic model is presented.

The idea of the application for the preclinical diagnosis of breathing disorders during sleeping, on the basis of acoustic signal recording, is presented in the hereby paper. Research on the algorithm allowing to draw conclusions concerning breathing disorders was preceded by the experiment, of recording acoustic signals of the representative group of patients during their pharmacological sleep. Combining sound signals properties with knowledge of the experienced medical practitioner, supported by the results of the advanced medical diagnosis, should made possible the development of the tool for assessing breathing disorders (especially sleep apneas) on the basis of sound signals of patients having breathing disorders. This paper is focused on problems related to the main activities leading to the development of the efficient algorithm of assessing patient’s condition: experimental recording and methods of acoustic signals analysis. Further research stages will contain the implementation of the obtained results for the needs of the mobile application development.