The Helmholtz Resonator Effect of the Trunk Cavity in the Acoustic Response of a Sedan

To prevent trunk lid slam noise, reactive openings are used in the trunk cavities of passenger vehicles. In sedans, the trunk cavity and the cabin cavity are coupled acoustically through the discontinuities on the parcel shelf and/or the rear seat. In such a case, these openings behave as necks of a Helmholtz resonator, which in turn change the acoustic response of the system. In this study, the Helmholtz resonator effect of the trunk cavity is discussed analytically through a simplified cavity model. A case study, where the acoustic response of a sedan is analyzed through a computational model considering the resonator effect is also given. Sound pressure levels show that instant pressure drops and damping effects observed in the acoustic response can be explained with the resonator effect. Results obtained from the computational model of the sedan are verified with the track test measurements.