Prediction and Reduction of In-Vehicle Noise Due to Road Irregularity and Other Inputs

In-vehicle noise can be simulated by structural-acoustic analysis. This is accomplished by constructing finite element models of the vehicle structure and the acoustic cavity, computing (separately) their modes of vibration, and then coupling the structure and acoustic modes to create a model of the vehicle with its contained air. With this model the analyst can predict the sound pressure level at any point in the passenger compartment due to input to the vehicle structure. Typical inputs are road input through the suspension or engine vibration input.

This paper outlines the procedure for structural-acoustic analysis, including the software used and some methods for interpretation of the output. An example of an application of the procedure is documented as well.