Obtaining Maximum Value from Source/Path Contribution Analysis

Methods for decomposing, evaluation and rating vehicle interior noise into contributing sources and transfer paths are in common use throughout the automotive industry. Coming under the general heading of “Source/Path Contribution Analysis” or “Transfer Path Analysis”, these methods are many, ranging from simple disconnect tests to highly sophisticated techniques, with applications ranging from noise problem solving, through target setting and detailed source path receiver modeling. Although, in theory, most of these methods are capable of giving exact answers, in practice SPC will exhibit variabilities in contribution results obtained. The NVH engineer must be aware of the potential difficulties associated to the methods and must make the appropriate choice of method in each case, taking in considerations these difficulties.