Analysis of Vehicle Pillar Cavity Foam Block Effect on Interior Noise Using SEA

Closed cell foam has been used for filling vehicle pillar cavities at select locations to block road noise transmitted through pillars. In the past, most pillar foam implementations in vehicle programs were driven by subjective improvements in interior sound. In this study road test results are used to correlate a detailed CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) model based on the statistical energy analysis method. Noise reduction characteristics of pillar with a number of foam block fillings were then studied using the CAE model. The CAE models provided means to model and understand the mechanism of noise energy flow through pillar cavities. A number of insightful conclusions were obtained as result of the study.