Experimental Analysis of Interior Noise Due to Powerplant Radiated Noise

Vehicle interior noise due to powerplant radiation is a product of two factors, the noise level radiated by the powerplant and the effectiveness of the vehicle body and sound package in reducing this noise. Effective noise reduction strategies require that the appropriate target levels be set for these factors. This paper reviews studies performed at Ford to establish such targets and the theoretical basis of these studies.

To set sound package targets engine noise simulators have been used to study the sound package noise reduction capabilities of various vehicles. These studies include the effect of noise source location on attenuation, the effect of powerplant location and dimensions, and the effect of interior microphone location.

Engine noise targets are being established by testing powerplants in the hemi-anechoic dynamometer test cells of the new AEC Building. Studies include the effect of engine rpm, load, and microphone location.