Round Robin Noise Measurement System Analysis Using Light Duty Diesel Engine

NVH development of light duty diesel engines require significant collaboration with the OEM as compared to medium duty and heavy duty diesel engines. Typically, competitive benchmark studies and customer expectations define the NVH targets at the vehicle level and are subsequently cascaded down to the powertrain level. For engine manufacturing companies like Cummins Inc., it is imperative to work closely with OEM to deliver on the NVH expectations. In certain situations, engine level NVH targets needs to be demonstrated in the OEM or 3rd party acoustic test facility for customer satisfaction or commercial purposes. Engine noise tests across different noise test facilities may introduce some variation due to differences in the acoustic test facilities, test hardware, instrumentation differences, etc. In addition, the engine itself is a major source of variation. This technical paper documents one such case study conducted on a light duty diesel engine in three different acoustic test facilities. The paper also provides an explanation for the apparent noise differences observed in the end results. Finally, the paper provides the recommendations and best practices for conducting and delivering consistent noise test results.