Strategic Design of Intake Systems for Crafting a Sporty Acoustic Signature in Passenger Vehicles

In pursuit of a distinct sporty interior sound character, the present study explores an innovative strategy for designing intake systems in passenger vehicles. While most existing literature primarily emphasizes exhaust system tuning for enhancing vehicle sound quality, the current work shifts the focus toward the intake system’s critical role in shaping the perceived acoustic signature within the vehicle cabin. In this research work, target cascading and settings were derived through a combination of benchmark and structured subjective evaluation study and aligning with literature review. Quantitative targets for intake orifice noise was defined to achieve the desired sporty character inside cabin. Intake orifice targets are engineered based on signature and sound quality parameter required at cabin. Systems are designed by using advanced CAE techniques, Specific identified acoustic orders were enhanced in the intake system to reinforce the required signature in acceleration as well as in cruising mode. A novel decomposition method was developed to identify exact contribution of intake system’s noise from overall in cab noise. Based on advanced NVH analysis and sound diagnosis a precise identification of intake system contributions during both acceleration and cruising conditions was carried out. Furthermore, sound design strategy was developed which targets a dual-mode acoustic profile: sporty and engaging during acceleration, and refined and comfortable during cruising. The developed design strategy was validated at vehicle level, confirming that the intake system design met both subjective and objective targets. This integrated approach provides a repeatable framework for intake sound design, offering OEMs a robust pathway to differentiate sporty vehicle character through intelligent intake acoustics. This work not only demonstrates the critical role of intake design in vehicle sound signature development but also proposes a systematic methodology for future vehicle sound engineering.