Vehicle Sound Measurement-20 Years of Testing

Various SAE vehicle noise test subcommittees have been involved in numerous programs to improve and expand the applicability of procedures for increasing exterior noise levels and their relationship to the ever changing product lines. Parallel to this work, governmental and trade associations have also sought changes to better reflect the true measure of noise impact on the community. The evolution of testing has resulted in a continuing improvement in the quality of the test data. Benefits from the combined test programs have resulted in a significant improvement in the understanding of the test variability, statistical reliability, and applicability of these procedures. This paper will provide a compendium of the modifications that have evolved into the noise measurement procedures and practices in use today. The major emphasis will focus on passenger cars and light trucks. However, it will also include reference to the environmental, site and instrumentation factors that influence any vehicle testing.