Aerodynamic Wind Throb in Passenger Cars

Most automobiles, at certain speeds with at least one window open, develop a pulsating pressure which is felt mainly through the ears and is objectionable to the occupants. While this “aerodynamic wind throb” is noticeable over a range of speeds, there is a fairly pronounced peak in the effect at one speed.

This problem is studied analytically and experimentally. It is established that the car is a dynamic system consisting of a Helmholtz resonator excited by an edge tone.

It is shown that the trouble can be corrected by changing the natural frequency, minimizing or eliminating the excitation, or increasing damping of the system.