Vehicle Noise and Weight Reduction Using Panel Acoustic Contribution Analysis

Panel acoustic contribution analysis (PACA) is an advanced engineering tool to improve the NVH quality of vehicles. Using PACA areas of vehicle body panels are categorized according to their contribution to the total sound. Positive contribution areas increase the sound level as vibration amplitude increases, negative contribution areas decrease the sound level as vibration amplitude increases, and neutral areas have no significant effect on the sound level. This knowledge is important to guide vehicle NVH refinement.

This paper presents the technical approach of PACA and the results of an experiment used to validate the PACA techniques. Vehicle application results to improve NVH quality and reduce weight are also included.