Rattle Noise Measurement of a Plate-Beam System

Rattling noise is regarded as an annoying feature. It usually draws quality concern and results in an increase of the warranty cost. For many cases the rattling is generated by the continuum-rigid type of contact, i.e., impacts of a plate-striker type systems. In some applications the rattling is due to the continuum-continuum type of contact, namely area contact. This type of contact may result in lower rattling noise level than that of the continuum rigid type. This paper will present the testing results of a plate-beam system which is of the continuum-continuum type and discuss the differences between the contact mechanisms of the plate-beam system and the plate-ball system. Results of this study may serve as a referable benchmark to the analytical estimation of the rattling sound.