Empirical Model for Predicting In-Service Truck Tire Noise Levels

SAE Recommended Practice J57a - Sound Level of Highway Truck Tires - specifies a simple, practical noise certification test procedure for tires which results in a single-number rating - maximum A-weighted sound level - of the coastby sound level measured according to prescribed procedures. Such a rating by itself, however, does not allow prediction of in-service noise levels. This report discusses the basic assumptions and necessary input data for a DOT/NBS developed empirical model which utilizes the certification test results to predict in-service noise levels. The usefulness and expected accuracy of the predictive model are shown through a comparison of measured versus predicted maximum A-weighted sound levels for a variety of truck/tire combinations.