User Interface

Main window

The main user interface is split into two tabs. The first of these, ‘Model’, is used to build your train models and set up your input parameters. This includes 2D and 3D views to navigate your models and check that the geometry is as expected. The ‘Results’ tab is used to view results from the calculations, and includes sub-tabs to navigate through various types of result views.

It is important to note that many of the functions provided in the software are available by right-clicking on appropriate items in the interface.

The main user interface of Train Noise Expert

There is also a traditional menu shown at the top of the screen, with the following functions:

  • File
    • New project
      for creating a new project with a selection of default items.
    • Open project…
      open an existing project from the folder selected in the dialog.
    • Open recent
      open one of your three most recent projects.
    • Reload project to reload the current project from its last saved state.
    • Save project
      saves the current project.
    • Save project as…
      creates a new project folder with a new name and saves the current project into it (without any previously calculated results files).
    • Go to project folder opens a system file browser window at the project folder.
    • Import to library… opens a dialog for importing model objects from another project.
    • Quit Exits Train Noise Expert. This aborts any calculations in progress, and releases the floating network licence (if used).
  • Edit
    • Copy view copies the currently displayed model image to the clipboard.
    • Preferences…
      opens a dialog for program settings.
  • Project
    • Rolling noise
      • Calculate TDR… for each situation, this calculates and plots the track decay rate, based on the supplied track parameters.
      • Run rolling noise calculation for each situation, this creates the input files and calculates the rolling sound power for each wheelset. Also calculates the track decay rates, component vibration levels, and basic sound pressure level at each receiver.
    • External noise
      • Fit group to measurements…
        opens a dialog to enter sound pressure measurement parameters at a defined receiver position. A calculation is then run to apply corrections to sound power levels in a specified source group in order to match the measured sound pressure values.
      • Run external noise calculation
        for each situation, this creates the input files and runs the predictions for train noise at pass-by or standstill. (If your situation includes wheelsets, the rolling noise calculation must be run before attempting the external noise calculation).
      • Export for noise mapping…
        this launches a dialog with options to specify Situation and Receivers, as well as noise mapping protocol, used to calculate line source transfer functions, and export the data. (The results of an external noise calculation must be loaded before exporting this data).
      • Run auralisation calculation
        for each situation, this creates the input files and calculates an auralisation for each defined receiver. (The results of an external noise calculation must be loaded before attempting the auralisation calculation).
    • Interior noise
      • Boundary element calculation
        this launches a dialog with settings to run a 2.5D boundary element calculation to predict the pressure at the carbody exterior. (The rolling noise calculation must be run before attempting the boundary element calculation). This feature is in beta, and documentation is provided separately to users that have licenced this option.
    • Review results…
      opens a dialog to load/view the results of any previously run rolling noise or external noise calculations.
    • Project settings…
      opens a dialog for various project and calculation settings.
  • Help
    • Documentation…
      opens a window to display the documentation.
    • Check for new version…
      checks to determine whether a later version of Train Noise Expert is available. Requires an active Internet connection and maintenance contract.
    • About Train Noise Expert…
      opens a window to display information about the current version, including the active licenced options, with options to switch to an alternative licence.