Effect of Forcing a “Worst Case Vehicle Configuration” on Drive-By Noise Results Using Test Procedure SAE J986OCT88

The effect of adjusting the kick-off speed to attain a “worst case vehicle configuration” on drive-by noise measurements using test procedure SAE J986OCT88 was investigated. It was determined that similar noise results were obtained for both the “forced worst-case” vehicle and the actual worst-case vehicle. This information is a useful development tool due to the fact that a wide variety of axle ratios, tires, and transmissions are available as options on light duty trucks, making it difficult to determine or obtain the actual worst-case vehicle. Forcing the worst-case configuration allows for the testing of vehicles when the exact worst case vehicle is not available.