Binaural “Hybrid” Model for Simulation of Engine and Wind Noise in the Interior of Vehicles

In the development process of products there is at present only one approved method for the “prediction” of sound quality: It is the subjective evaluation by hearing or by binaural playback of Artificial Head recordings. This method is possible in the prototype stage at the earliest. Due to the feet that the development processes in industry become shorter and the tasks - especially in the fields of acoustics and vibrations - become increasingly complex, there exist strong requests for time- and cost saving prediction of the expected sound quality. For this purpose a method can be used that is based on binaural recordings and the determination of vibro-acoustical characteristics of components on test facilities. The combination with a (binaural) transfer path database allows a simulation that describes the effects of modifications of the particular characteristics or transfer paths on the resulting sound situation for the listener. By using a binaural playback system, the simulation can be evaluated subjectively and - consequently - the resulting sound quality can be predicted. The development of the described procedure for the simulation of engine and wind noise in the interior of vehicles is presented in this paper.