Operational Analysis, Transfer Path Analysis, Modal Analysis: Tools to Understand Road Noise Problems in Cars

This paper discusses a road noise analysis application on a passenger car. It involves a study of the interior noise in the car, which is explained in function of the energy transfer paths from the suspension into the car body. For this, multiple reference transfer path analysis is used. A link is made between specific characteristics of this energy transfer and the operational analysis of the measurements on the suspension during road tests, as well as the acoustical modes of the cavity. The operational data are correlated with modal analysis results on the suspension, explaining certain problems occurring during running condition.