An Efficient Hybrid Computational Process for Interior Noise Prediction in Aeroacoustic Vehicle Development

Numerical methodologies for aeroacoustic analyses are increasingly crucial for car manufacturers to optimize the effectiveness of vehicle development. In the present work, a hybrid numerical tool based on the combination of a delayed detached-eddy simulation and a finite element model, which relies on the Lighthill’s acoustic analogy and the acoustic perturbation equations, is presented. The computational aeroacoustics is performed by the software OpenFOAM and Actran, concerning respectively the CFD and the FEM. The aeroacoustic behavior of the SUV Lamborghini Urus at a cruising speed of 140 km/h has been investigated. The main aerodynamic noise phenomena occurring in the side mirror region in a frequency range up to 5 kHz are discussed. The numerical simulations have been verified against the measurements performed in the aeroacoustic wind tunnel of the University of Stuttgart, operated by FKFS. The predicted exterior noise propagation into the far field has been validated by comparing the sound pressure level with the experimental data measured by exterior microphones, which were located outside the turbulent region beside the wake of the side mirror. Furthermore, the noise transmission into the cabin through the side window has been modeled. Simulation results have been validated by means of interior microphones installed on the driver seat. Both the exterior and the interior noise predictions show very good correlations with experiments. Lastly, a comprehensive investigation of the most critical aeroacoustic sources has been carried out. The numerical tool has been proven to be in good accordance with the microphone array with respect to the distribution of the sound pressure level in the proximity of the side mirror. Besides, the main vortex structures involved in the generation mechanisms of wind noise have been investigated by a CFD analysis. The entire CAA process has been proven to be accurate and suitable for combined analysis between the generation mechanisms of wind noise and the resulting transfer into the interior cabin to the driver’s ear as well.