On the use of measured parameters for vehicle model updating and design improvements

In order to have an accurate statistical energy analysis model it is crucial to adjust and update it according to real measured parameters of vehicle internal absorption and material properties. This work brings a study case involving different areas of actuation - computer aided engineering, vehicle engineering design and testing & experimental areas - but with one goal: characterizing the interior cavity thru reverberation time measurements and simulation, evaluating the absorption of the sound package parts and its influence on the overall T60. Thus, some test benches and procedures were used for measurement of important parameters, as for example: vehicle internal reverberation time and material sound absorption coefficient. Reverberation time is defined as the time - expressed in seconds - that would be required for the sound pressure level to decrease 60 dB from its original value. It can be used as an indicator of the acoustic quality of the interior cavity, and also as parameter input into statistical energy analysis models.