Browse Topic: Interior noise

Items (695)
This study focuses on the ground testing of an optimized engine-driven pump system for civil aircraft. It proposes the test methods for the pressure pulsation at the pump outlet, the stress and vibration of the pipeline, and the cabin noise level on board. These tests are designed to determine whether the function and performance of the optimized engine-driven pump meet the intended improvement objectives. This paper elaborates on the test objectives of the pressure pulsation test, pipeline stress test, pipeline vibration test, and noise test on ground-based testing of civil aircraft. It proposes corresponding testing methodologies, summarizes the technical specification requirements for selecting different types of test sensors, outlines the principles for selecting test points during the testing process, and presents methods for processing the collected test data. By conducting tests on a specific model of civil aircraft and coupling with comparative analysis of test data, it was found that the pressure pulsation level, pipeline vibration level, and cabin noise level on board the optimized engine-driven pump have been significantly improved compared with the original design. At the same time, it is concluded that the stress level of the optimized engine-driven pump outlet pipeline remained within the allowable fatigue limits of the material.
Li, YingQi, Xiaoyan
In the automotive industry, controlling noise transmission through vehicle components is essential for passenger comfort and regulatory compliance. Traditionally, Transmission Loss (TL) is estimated using simplified CAD-based metrics, which lack accuracy at high frequencies and for complex assemblies. Modeling complex vehicle components introduces challenges, such as representing fluid-structure and trim interactions, with spatially varying trim thicknesses. This study presents an industrial application implementing the Virtual SEA (Statistical Energy Analysis) method to evaluate TL for a firewall. The study discusses strategies for subsystem adaptation and analytical trim modeling, highlighting the importance of managing spatial averaging effects. The proposed workflow integrates laboratory measurements of trim materials, advanced subsystem definition, diffuse sound field (DSF) excitation and radiation in free-field condition. Virtual SEA results are systematically validated against Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations (where the frequency range allows) and experimental data. Virtual SEA demonstrates strong agreement with FEM, especially at mid and high frequencies where FE starts to be cumbersome, confirming its suitability for industrial Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) applications. While some limitations remain—such as the inability to fully model mixed-component subsystems—ongoing research and practical workarounds are proposed. In conclusion, the Virtual SEA approach enables accurate and efficient TL prediction for vehicle components up to higher frequencies that FEM can achieve, supporting NVH targets and facilitating knowledge transfer to engineering teams. This work advances simulation-based acoustic transparency analysis for modern automotive design.
Orselli, JosephJacquemin, GaetanPark, MyeongMan
The effect of backing polyurethane (PU) foam material properties on the insertion loss of acoustic insulation pads was investigated. First, the material properties affecting the resonant frequency, which mainly determines the insertion loss, were theoretically identified, and practical methods for calculating both the resonant frequency and the insertion loss of the insulation pad were developed. These methods were then applied to evaluate how changes in material properties influence the resonant frequency and insertion loss of the insulation pad. It was found that Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and thermal characteristic length are the primary material properties that affect these outcomes. The optimal levels of these properties, which are beneficial for interior noise reduction, are derived and presented in this study.
Chae, Ki-SangLee, MoonseokKim, Hyunwoo
High-frequency whine from electric drive systems has become a critical issue restricting the improvement of vehicle sound quality. Traditional evaluation methods struggle to accurately identify masked whine risks in the early research and development (R&D) phase, due to incomplete hardware of prototype vehicles and high interior background noise. This often leads to problems being delayed until the mass production stage, resulting in high rectification costs. To address this issue, this paper proposes and validates an early risk assessment method based on the Tone-to-Noise Ratio (TNR). First, the generation mechanism of Electric Drive (E-Drive) whine is systematically analyzed, identifying the electromagnetic noise of the electric motor and the gear whine of the reducer as the two dominant noise sources. To address this bottleneck, the TNR psychoacoustic metric is introduced to quantify the perceptual salience of tonal noise relative to background noise, which effectively mitigates the masking effect caused by high background noise in early prototype vehicles. Combined with an engineering case of a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), the study confirms that the TNR method can accurately identify potential high-risk whine orders in the Verification Prototype (VP) phase and enable reliable forward prediction of risks in the Mass Production (MP) stage. On this basis, a multi-dimensional noise reduction strategy covering harmonic current injection, gear microgeometry optimization, and transfer path optimization is developed for the identified risk orders. Full vehicle validation shows that the noise of key whine orders is reduced by 5–10 dB(A) after optimization, while the TNR value decreases significantly, and the vehicle NVH performance reaches industry-leading levels. This research forms a complete technical path from TNR-based early identification to targeted closed-loop control, providing a theoretical basis and practical engineering example for the proactive management and efficient solution of E-Drive whine risks in various new energy vehicles.
Yun, ZhaoHui, HuiGao, PanXiao, ZhongdiZan, ChenTeng, Charlie
Vehicle electrification and accelerated development cycles create a need for virtual Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) development tools which are fast, precise and, seamlessly interchangeable between development sites, suppliers and OEMs. Component-based Transfer Path Analysis (C-TPA), standardized in ISO 20270:2019, enables independent component characterization and integration with virtual models to predict sound and vibration in new assemblies, referred to as Virtual Prototype Assemblies (VPA). However, conventional measurements are labor-intensive, typically restricted to a small number of samples, and overlook production variability. This paper introduces a fully automated, ISO 20270-compliant C-TPA system for non-rigid test benches, featuring a pre-instrumented test fixture with multiple vibration shakers and sensors automatically linked to a data acquisition system for immediate processing. Components can be characterized within minutes, with blocked forces directly integrated into a VPA workflow, replacing time-intensive in-vehicle testing with a repeatable, operator-independent bench procedure. A case study on an automotive steering system demonstrates the method’s accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency, along with its ability to predict realistic interior sound pressure levels and capture production variability, enabling robust virtual NVH evaluation early in the development cycle.
Sturm, MichaelWienen, KevinBrandstetter, MarkusSorber, EricCorbeels, PatrickVerrecas, BartGonçalves, Vinícius
Recent studies indicate that the door system plays a significant role in the interior noise levels of newly developed vehicles. This research investigates the noise transmission paths through the door system and identifies effective strategies for improvement through a combination of door buck testing and simulation. Specifically, in this study, the finite element method (FEM) was employed for door buck simulation, and the model was validated against vibration test results. Subsequently, acoustic analysis tools were utilized to correlate with noise testing, thereby establishing a process to ensure simulation accuracy. The sound insulation performance for the main areas of the door was experimentally evaluated, and a simulation model with good correlation to these test results was developed. By utilizing both experimental and simulation results, the principal transmission paths were identified, and appropriate improvement strategies for these paths were investigated. The validated improvement strategies are intended to be applied in the development of next-generation vehicles.
Chae, Ki-SangJang, JinungJeong, HojungDo, HyuncheolHan, JinwooYi, JaebokBak, Seong-JaeJeong, ChanHee
Electric vehicles (EVs) and internal-combustion-engine vehicles (ICEVs) differ fundamentally in their in-cabin acoustics, notably the attenuation or absence of engine-order content. Prior work reports associations between reduced engine sound, speed underestimation, and poorer speed maintenance; however, research on how EVs’ new sound affects speed perception and control is scarce, and most newer studies focus on comfort and subjective pleasantness rather than speed perception. Addressing this gap, the present study uses a two-interval, two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) paradigm to directly measure just-noticeable differences (JNDs) in speed under ICEV, EV, and silent conditions. Thirty participants performed a 2AFC task in which, on each trial, they viewed two first-person highway clips (reference vs. comparison) and indicated which appeared faster. Results from ANOVA and post-hoc tests indicate that at the 40 km/h reference speed participants showed no clear differences across sound conditions, whereas at 100 km/h there were marked differences in JND: mean values were 1.93 km/h (ICEV), 3.48 km/h (EV), and 5.15 km/h (silence). A psychoacoustic parameter analysis suggests that this effect is not explained by speed-dependent changes in loudness or sharpness; we interpret that RPM-related, clearly audible frequency shifts in ICEV provide the primary contributory cue. For EV NVH or artificial sound design, enhancing speed-contingent, trackable spectral cues while respecting comfort may help maintain drivers’ ability to discriminate speed differences.
Li, ZhenxianParizet, EtienneColangeli, Claudio
In November 2024, Blue Ridge Research and Consulting and Archer Aviation performed acoustic flight tests of the pre-production version of Midnight, Archer Aviation’s full-scale, multirotor electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The flight tests included concurrent community noise and cabin noise measurements of Midnight across a range of flight conditions. This paper describes the flight test design, measurement instrumentation, and empirical analysis methods used to assess steadiness and repeatability, develop acoustic hemispheres, and identify aeroacoustic sources on Midnight. The acoustic measurements reveal that tonal noise from the propellers is dominant during hover, broadband noise from the propellers and airframe is dominant during cruise, and both tonal and broadband noise components are important during transition. The geometric arrangement of Midnight's propellers influences the acoustic directivity. Source separation using the Vold-Kalman filter reveals that the rear propellers produce higher tonal sound levels than the forward propellers, but broadband noise is the dominant contributor to the overall sound level in forward flight. The paper concludes with lessons learned and recommendations for future acoustic flight tests.
Lympany, ShaneGreenwood, EricMacedo, RafaelAnderson, PeterSecchi, MaiconPage, JulietSzőke, Máté
A computational study using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method in SimericsMP+ was conducted to investigate fuel sloshing in automotive fuel tanks under both crash and sudden stop conditions. The SEALs method was employed to rapidly generate the fuel tank mesh, enabling efficient simulation setup. At the outset, a benchmark sloshing case was simulated and compared against experimental data, showing excellent agreement to validate the simulation method. This simulation method was then applied to the fuel tank sloshing scenarios mimicking crash and sudden stop conditions. The study initially focused on a crash scenario in which fuel waves impact valves, pumps, and other internal structures. Capturing these localized impact forces is critical for evaluating the risk of component failure and potential leakage. A baffle-equipped tank was simulated and compared with sensor data. Results show that the computed shock forces on valves and baffles closely matched the measurements, demonstrating the high accuracy of the CFD method in predicting crash safety performance and confirming the effectiveness of baffles in reducing fuel wave impacts. The validated framework was then applied to four new unbaffled tank designs to assess NVH performance during low-speed sudden stop maneuvers. Pressure fluctuations on tank walls, which are directly linked to cabin noise, were analyzed and compared against reference pressure measurements from physical tests to ensure compliance with NVH standards. Simulations revealed significant pressure peaks in certain designs, indicating sub-optimal acoustic performance and highlighting how the absence of internal columns or baffles amplifies wave propagation and surface loading. The computational strategy presented in this study provides a powerful tool for evaluating both crash safety and NVH behavior early in the design process. By delivering accurate predictions before physical prototypes are built, it helps guide fuel tank design development, reduces reliance on costly testing, and minimizes the risk of late-stage design failures.
Jia, KunRahman, AshiquePandey, Ashutosh
Passenger expectations for quiet and acoustically comfortable vehicle interiors have increased significantly, driven by advancements in electric vehicles and premium audio systems. Acoustic comfort affects perceived quality, communication ease, and overall driving experience. This paper presents a simulation-driven methodology to predict and optimize interior noise performance during the early design phase, focusing on high-frequency acoustic transfer functions and trim material absorption properties. Traditional NVH development relies heavily on physical testing, which is time-consuming and costly. Early-stage predictive tools are essential to evaluate acoustic performance before prototype availability. High-frequency noise (1kHz–12kHz) is particularly challenging due to complex reflections and absorption behavior. Acoustic trims play a critical role in shaping the cabin’s sound field, and their properties must be optimized to achieve desired sound quality. A novel simulation approach is developed using Raytracing (Beam + Particle) to model sound propagation within the vehicle cabin. The method calculates ATFs between point sources (e.g., door panels) and receiver positions (passenger ears), enabling spatially resolved acoustic analysis. This supports early design evaluations by predicting how changes in geometry and materials affect perceived noise levels. Using HEEDS, a DOE-based optimization is performed on frequency-dependent absorption properties of acoustic trims. The trim package includes carpet, headliner, seats, doors, and firewall. The optimization targets mid-to-high frequency ranges where material behavior significantly influences sound quality. Multiple design iterations are evaluated to identify configurations that minimize intrusive noise and enhance tonal balance. A full-vehicle correlation study is conducted to validate the simulation results. Measured ATFs from a physical prototype are compared with simulated data. The acoustic trim package used in the prototype includes all major components. The Raytracing-based ATF model shows strong correlation with measured data. The methodology enables early identification of design choices that degrade or enhance acoustic comfort.
Baladhandapani, DhanasekarJadhav, VishalDu, Isaac
In response to increasing customer demand for enhanced passenger comfort and perceived vehicle quality, OEMs in automotive and commercial vehicles are placing significant emphasis on reducing the interior cabin noise. At highway speeds, wind noise is a primary contributor to the overall noise within the vehicle cabin. Conventional approaches to predict vehicle wind noise rely on physical testing, which can only be conducted in the later stages of the design process once a physical prototype is available. Increased adoption of established computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods has enabled earlier assessment. However, such simulations require several hours to complete, posing a challenge in the context of rapid design iteration cycles. With the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in engineering, machine learning (ML) approaches have been proposed to predict a vehicle’s aerodynamics performance. Nevertheless, development of ML techniques in the context of aeroacoustics applications has not received as much attention. In this study, we propose a deep learning-based framework trained on CFD data to predict the sound pressure levels (SPL) at the driver’s headspace along with visualization of pressure and acoustic loads on relevant panels for noise source identification. The proposed model accurately predicts interior SPL across the frequency range of interest as shown by comparison to the reference CFD simulations. Moreover, prediction times are reduced from hours to seconds, enabling practical use in early stages of the vehicle design process and offering the ability to iterate faster to evaluate different scenarios.
Higgins, JohnFougere, NicolasSondak, DavidSenthooran, SivapalanMoron, PhilippeJantzen, AndreasBi, JingOancea, Victor
Passenger comfort is becoming the forefront of luxury private jets where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. One source of structure-borne noise is the vibration of the Passenger Service Unit (PSU) panel. These vibrations originate from the outer skin, excited by turbulent boundary layer, and are transmitted through the fuselage frame to the PSU panel. This panel resides overhead of passenger seating, it is composed of a corrugated honeycomb core sandwiched between thin face-sheets. This paper presents a systematic approach to improve the vibro-acoustic performance of a honeycomb core sandwich structure by employing core filler and facesheet patches. Topology Optimization (TO) is used to determine the optimal layouts of these design modifications. The vibro-acoustic performance of the PSU panel with facesheet patches and core filler is evaluated using a frequency response analysis in the commercial finite element solver OptiStruct. The effectiveness of vibration reduction will be quantified by using the Dynamic Stiffness (DS) and velocity response of the PSU panel measured using the Frequency Response Function (FRF). Validation used excitations from 500 to 3000 Hz and indicated that using the TO interpreted layout of core filler and facesheet patches, separately improved the DS of the panel by 402% and 198%, and the velocity response by -35% and -18%, while increasing the weight by 0.1% and 4.7% respectively. Their combined effect has also been tested and found to provide an additional 445% improvement to DS and a -39% improvement in velocity response with 4.8% of additional material, though overall behavior varies depending on frequency range.
Russo, ConnorWhetstone, IsobelPatel, AnujWotten, ErikKim, Il Yong
Limited published research has critically examined the impact of Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) structures on the Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) performance of electric vehicles (EVs), with most studies focusing on conventional Cell-to-Pack (CTP) systems. A concern is that vehicles employing CTC architectures may exhibit compromised NVH performance due to the absence of a dedicated floor panel. To investigate the NVH performance implications of the CTC structure, this study adopts a comprehensive methodology encompassing: (1) theoretical Sound Transmission Loss (STL) analysis utilizing mass law and double-panel principles, (2) finite element (FE) modeling of STL, (3) in-vehicle Acoustic Transfer Function (ATF) testing, and (4) interior noise measurements conducted at a constant 60 km/h on a smooth asphalt road. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared to a conventional CTP floor system, the studied CTC structure achieves a 5–40 dB increase in STL across the 200–2000 Hz frequency range. This finding is consistent with theoretical calculations. Furthermore, experimental results from in-vehicle ATF and interior noise tests reveal no significant acoustic difference in the 400–1400 Hz frequency range, which is primarily associated with tire noise, between a configuration with complete floor insulation (including carpeting) and one with insulation (including carpeting) removed from the CTC area. This research validates an effective simulation method for floor system STL and demonstrates that the acoustic insulation performance of the CTC structure enables potential cost and weight reductions by minimizing the requirement for traditional carpeting and sound insulation pads. This approach also suggests a pathway to reducing Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from these ancillary materials.
Xu, XueyingWang, XiaomingMa, CaijunLi, Guofu
In the absence of engine noise, road-induced noise has become a major concern specifically for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), impacting Sound Pressure Level (SPL) for both drivers and passengers. Under the influence of random road load inputs, structural vibrations which transfer from road and tire to suspension to vehicle body, the cabin interior noise, particularly at lower frequencies, is significantly affected. To improve the road-induced low-frequency structure-borne noise behaviour, which frequently perceptible as ‘booming noises’, a study was carried out to assess predominant noise sources present in vehicle and to suggest refinements in reducing the noise levels. By considering random excitations of road profile through tire patch using CD-Tire model, vehicle interior noise was computed. Subsequently, to get insight of dynamic behaviour of vehicle, various diagnostic assessments to understand the influence from structure and paths were deployed. Major contributors from body structure panels were identified and thereafter structural enablers were employed to attenuate the booming phenomenon. The approach shown here has the potential to identify and optimize BEV noise in a more comprehensive and effective way.
Paik, SumanRaghuvanshi, JayeshkumarChaudhari, Vishal VasantraoV, Radhika
In electric and hybrid vehicles, sound package optimization can follow a classical, proven, and structured approach for real-world loads, while also considering new transmission paths that might differ from those in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, AVAS-induced interior noise is sometimes underestimated and therefore not taken into account during the optimization process. Nevertheless, especially at very low speeds, the presence of the AVAS can be perceived as unwanted noise inside the vehicle, potentially compromising interior comfort. In this study, a hybrid boundary element–statistical energy analysis (BEM – SEA) approach is applied to an SEA dual-motor electric vehicle demonstrator model equipped with a baseline, standard sound package to assess AVAS-induced interior noise. A standard AVAS actuator is modeled with a BEM model to compute the sound pressure levels on the exterior subsystems of the vehicle. These results are then transferred to the SEA model to calculate interior noise and evaluate the AVAS audibility inside the cabin. This approach has the advantage of overcoming the limitations of SEA in simulating exterior paths, which would otherwise require creating exterior cavities, overriding certain properties of connected cavities, and modifying coupling loss factors to emulate diffraction. In addition, simple auralization of the interior noise due to AVAS is presented for different sound package configurations.
Fiedler, RobertCalloni, MassimilianoMartin, Simon
Unlike internal combustion engine (IC Engine) vehicles, the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market demands tyres with superior yet often conflicting performance characteristics. The increased weight of EVs, due to their heavy batteries, necessitates robust tyres with reinforcement and higher inflation pressure. Conversely, increased wear due to higher initial torque and the need for lower rolling resistance to extend range, combined with the requirement for better grip for improved handling, call for advanced compound and tread pattern designs. EV tyres need to be stiffer, lighter, and low hysteresis, making it very hard to reduce low-frequency (20-200 Hz) interior noise that was previously masked by engine noise. This study investigates the low-frequency (20-200 Hz) structural-borne interior noise performance of EV tyres using both experimental and simulation tools. By wisely tuning the tyre's stiffness, mass, and damping properties, the necessary noise targets can be achieved. These findings can help tyre development engineers devise more effective and quicker noise reduction strategies for EVs with minimal compromise on other tyre performance aspects.
Subbian, JaiganeshM, Saravanan
This paper focuses on the cabin sound quality refinement and the tactile vibration reduction during horn application in the electric vehicle. A loud cracking sound inside the cabin and higher accelerator pedal vibration are perceived while operating the horn. Sound diagnosis is carried out to find out the frequencies causing the cracking noise. Transfer path analysis is conducted to identify the nature of noise and the predominant path through which forces transfer. Based on finding from TPA, various recommendations are evaluated which reduced the noise to a certain extent. Operational Deflection Shape (ODS) is conducted on the horn mounting bracket and on the body to identify the component having higher deflection at the identified frequencies. Recommendations like DPDS improvement on the horn bracket and the body is assessed and the effect of each outcome is discussed. With all the recommendations proposed, the cabin noise levels are reduced by ~ 8 dB (A) and the accelerator pedal vibration levels are reduced by ~ 40%. Sound quality parameter which needs to be considered during the horn selection is explained. The modal criteria which must be taken into account during development phase to avoid the horn cracking noise and tactile vibration is also proposed.
S, Nataraja MoorthyRao, ManchiR, Ashwin sathyaS, THARAKESWARULURaghavendran, Prasath
Vehicle interior noise is a crucial assessment criterion for automotive NVH. It has a significant effect on customer opinions about the quality of a vehicle. Articulation Index (AI) is one of the key sound metrics used to describe speech intelligibility and quantifies the middle and high frequency spectra associated to the internal noise of vehicle. In reality, Vehicle operating under dynamic condition experiences various air-borne noise sources such as tire rolling noise, powertrain noise, intake-exhaust noise & wind noise along with structure borne excitations such as powertrain vibrations, suspension vibrations. It is very challenging to predict cumulative effect of all these excitations to interior noise level and Articulation Index (AI) of vehicle over complete frequency range. The statistical energy analysis (SEA) is a well-known methodology being used to simulate & predict mid & high frequency noise. Objective of this paper is to present the process of development of a SEA simulation model designed to investigate vehicle interior noise & Articulation index and associated correlation against test measurements for various real- world operating scenarios. The SEA simulation model was meticulously developed with close attention given to structural representation which allowed to consider the structure borne excitations along with air borne noise sources during the analysis. The interior trims & sound insulation pack were also in detailed in the model. Both static & dynamic real-world operating scenarios of vehicle or load cases are demonstrated to validate the model against test measurements. The contribution study was performed to determine dominant noise sources and weaker transfer paths for improvement of Articulation index & interior noise quality of vehicle.
Doijad, Vishwajit PadmakarBillade, DayanandApte, Sr., Amol ArunShewale, AmolKothapalli, Brahmananda Reddy
In last two decades, Farm customer expectation on cabin comfort has been increased multifold. To provide the best-in-class customer experience in terms of comfort without adding cost and weight is bigger challenge for all NVH Engineers. It is evident from literature survey that cabin tractors with better comfort is well accepted by customers in US and European Market. Apart from engine excitation, customer has become more sensitive to customer-actuated-accessory noises due to overall reduction in cabin noise in last 2 decades. This paper presents the study conducted on HVAC blower noise in 30HP cabin tractor. Tactile vibrations and cabin noise is not acceptable when AC is switched on due to low frequency modulating nature in frequency range of ~65Hz and 130Hz. The investigation is carried out systematically considering each component of Source-Path-Receiver model. HVAC blower unit as source is diagnosed in detail to understand root cause. Strong dominance of first order of blower been observed on tactile vibrations and cabin noise. Blower unbalance is identified major cause of excitation. Effect of blower rpm on tactile vibration and boom noise is studied. Structural transfer paths were investigated in terms of stiffness & damping of radiating panels. Use of isolation strategy for blower is also explored for reduction in OEL (Operator Ear Level) noise. The damping of blower housing casing has shown contribution of 2-3 dB (A) at OEL noise. Both improvement in reduction of blower 1st order excitation and isolation strategy has shown to reduce low idle cabin noise by 10-15 dB (A) at 63Hz while operating at blower speed-3. Design NVH contenting modal frequency criteria for transfer paths, selection of blower speed is discussed to avoid similar issues in future.
K, SomasundaramChavan, Amit
Higher road noise is perceived in the cabin when the test vehicle encounters road irregularities like bump or pothole in the public roads. The transfer of transient road inputs inside the body caused objectionable cabin noise. Measurements are conducted at different road surfaces to identify the patch where the objective data well correlated with the noise measured at the public road. Wavelet analysis is carried out to identify the frequency zones since the events are transient in nature. TPA is carried out in time domain to identify the nature of the noise and the dominant path through which the transient road forces are transferring inside the body. Based on the outcome of TPA, various countermeasures like reduction of dynamic stiffness of suspension bushes, TMDs on the path are proposed to reduce the structure borne noise. Criteria which need to be considered for reduction of cabin noise due to transient road inputs is also discussed.
S, Nataraja MoorthyRao, ManchiSelvam, EbinezerRaghavendran, Prasath
This study focuses on the effect of door seal compression prediction and its impact on structure borne NVH in trucks. Customer perception of vibrations are envisaged as quality criteria. It is necessary to determine the contribution of seal stiffness due to seal compression under closed condition of the door rather than considering stiffness of the door seal under uncompressed conditions. The dynamic stiffness of door seal is determined from analysis of non-linear type. The simulations are built using the Mooney - Rivlin model. The parameters influencing the compression of door seals in both two – dimension and three – dimension, are identified from the analysis. This involves contemplating the appropriate seal mounted boundary condition on the body and the door of the vehicle. The stiffness after compression of seal is extracted from this non-linear analysis which is further used to obtain the vibration modes for the doors in the truck cabin. As a part of next step, the compressed seal stiffness value is used to analyze the operational vibration and structure borne cabin noise. The simulated results for modal performance including the effects of seal are validated with the experimental test data and are noticed to be in good agreement. The simulated result of models that were analyzed with the use of both uncompressed seal data and compressed seal data are compared for operational vibration, operational noise respectively. It is observed that the compressed seal stiffness has an impact on the structure borne NVH performance of the truck cabin.
L, KavyaRamanathan, Vijay
In recent days, cabin variants in the tractor are preferred by the farmers for the Coziness and longer field hour operation with less fatigue. Noise perceived by customer is the most important factor taken into account during the design stage, as it’s directly linked with operator’s comfort. Observed noise levels has to be within the defined limits as per national/international standards Overall cabin noise levels is contributed by the structure borne noise below 630 Hz. Structure borne noise is the noise typically radiated by the door, roof, windshield, floor, fender and structure assembly due to the engine excitation through the transmission housings and backstories. This paper depicts the process of tractor cabin structure borne noise prediction in the virtual environment. Firstly, Engine bearing loads and axle bearings has been extracted in the virtual stage from the vehicle level driveline model using commercially available MBD software. The finite element (FE) model of the cabin and full vehicle has been built using the software FE Codes. Noise Transfer Function (NTF) and Panel contribution analysis (PCA) and sensitivity study has been executed to identify the critical panels, systems and assemblies. Once critical panels are identified, machine learning based NTF Optimization has been executed at the cabin level to minimize the NTF levels at the early stage of design. Model finalized based on the machine learning has been integrated with the full vehicle level model. Lastly the structure borne noise has been predicted at the operator ear level using the derived loads across the bearings as the input. Predicted NTF and structure borne noise levels has been compared with the physical measurement data to ensure good correlation. With the design modifications on the identified parts and assemblies based on the sensitivity study lower structure borne noise levels has been achieved in the virtual environment, which assists to shorten the lead time.
Qunasekaran, PandiyanayagamK, SomasundaramChavan, Amit
The area of electric vehicles (EV) has fully arrived with almost every OEM enhancing electric vehicles in their portfolio. However, regarding its business potential numerous challenging engineering questions have risen. Especially vehicle NVH development needs to be rethought as masking noise from classical internal combustion engines (ICE) are gone. At the same time the frequency content of electric engines falls in the best human audible range, creating high potential for annoying tonal acoustic issues. With NVH design requirements now pushed up into the kilohertz range, many classic development strategies fail or lack efficiency. VIBES Technology’s answer to this challenge is what we call Hybrid Modular Modelling (HMM). This modelling strategy combines test-based and numerical simulation throughout the vehicle development cycle. Using best of both worlds, HMM allows accurate virtual (part / system) design and optimization on full vehicle level. Here HMM is based on the latest research achievements in the field of transfer path analysis and dynamics sub-structuring. Part of HMM is our virtual structural modification (VSM) technique, which allows OEM to take away rework on prototype measurements with different HW components to optimize the overall performance. Indeed, using a single prototype measurement, VSM allows a virtual optimization based on a single full vehicle measurement, modelling “1000+” variants thereof with part changes using CAE models or simple analytic ones. In this paper the technique is illustrated on a full vehicle, explaining the concept and workflow as well as the underlying key technologies.
Kohlhofer, DanielPingle, Pawan Sharadde Klerk, Dennis
The interior noise and thermal performance of the passenger compartment are critical criteria for ensuring driving comfort [1]. This paper presents the optimization of air conditioning (AC) compressor noise, specifically for the low-powered 1.0 L - ICE engine paired with a 120 cc IVDC compressor. This combination is quite challenging due to the high operational load & higher operating pressure. To enhance better in-cabin cooling efficiency, compressor’s operating efficiency must be improved, which necessitates a higher displacement of the compressor. However, increased displacement results in greater internal forces which leads to more structure-borne induced noise inside the cabin. For this specific configuration, the compressor operating pressure reached up to 25 bars under most driving conditions. During dynamic driving scenario, a metallic tonal noise from the compressor was reported in a compact vehicle segment. It is reported as very annoying to passengers inside. A comprehensive root cause analysis was conducted, including Transfer Path Analysis (TPA), evaluation of compressor fixation points stiffness, and dynamic noise signature analysis. The investigation revealed that the metallic noise was a combination of moaning and whining sounds, primarily caused by internal excitation forces within the compressor. These forces generated dominant excitations at high operating pressures, resulting in the observed tonal noise. Several countermeasures were explored, including changes to the compressor pulley ratio to decouple engine firing frequency excitations, modifications to the AC pipe bends to reduce excitation forces, and optimization of acoustic mass and compressor mounting stiffness. Collaboration work has been done with the supplier focused on fine-tuning the Mass Flow Control Valve (MFCV) settings [6] and adjusting compressor shaft tolerance. The most effective solutions were the compressor pulley ratio change and the modification of the compressor’s planetary plate angle, which together achieved an improvement of approximately 6 dB(A) in compressor order noise, significantly reducing customer-perceived annoyance. As a result, key NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) design rules have been established and implemented
John Britto, Vijay AntonyMaluganahalli-Dharmappa Madhusoodan Sr, MadhusoodanNatarajasundaram, Balasubramanian
Commercial vehicle operation faces challenges from driver distraction associated with traditional Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and inconsistent network connectivity, particularly in long-haul scenarios. This paper addresses these issues through the development and presentation of an embedded, offline AI-powered voice assistant. The system is designed to reduce driver distraction and enhance operational efficiency by enabling hands-free control of vehicle functions and access to critical information, irrespective of internet availability. The technical approach involves a three-tier architecture comprising an Android-based In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) unit for primary user interaction and voice processing, an Android mobile device acting as a communication bridge and processing hub, and a proprietary OBD-II dongle for CAN bus interfacing. Offline speech recognition is achieved using embedded wake word detection and speech-to-intent engines. A user-centered design methodology, informed by a field study with 25 professional truck drivers in Brazil, guided the prioritization of system functionalities. Key findings from this study highlighted strong driver interest in voice interaction for vehicle status monitoring (e.g., fluid levels, fault alerts) and control of essential systems (e.g., lighting, cabin environment). The implemented prototype successfully integrates these prioritized features, demonstrating the viability of offline voice control. Preliminary observations indicate robust wake word and intent recognition accuracy (≥97% based on vendor benchmarks) and acceptable system responsiveness (400-700 ms latency) under typical cabin noise conditions. This work establishes a foundation for safer, more intuitive HMIs in software-defined commercial vehicles, emphasizing the importance of offline capabilities for reliable operation.
De Oliveira Nelson, RafaelDe Almeida, Lucas GomesArantes Levenhagen, Ivan
Noise generated by a vehicle’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system can significantly affect passenger comfort and the overall driving experience. One of the main causes of this noise is resonance, which happens when the operating speed of rotating parts, such as fans or compressors, matches the natural frequency of the ducts or housing. This leads to unwanted noise inside the cabin. A Campbell diagram provides a systematic approach to identifying and analyzing resonance issues. By plotting natural frequencies of system components against their operating speeds, Test engineers can determine the specific points where resonance occurs. Once these points are known, design changes can be made to avoid them—for example, adjusting the blower speed, modifying duct stiffness, or adding damping materials such as foam. In our study, resonance was observed in the HVAC duct at a specific blower speed on the Campbell diagram. To address this, we opted to optimize the duct design instead of changing the blower speed. This approach helped eliminate resonance at that operating point, reducing noise in the cabin. By applying the Campbell diagram tool, HVAC noise can be minimized, resulting in a quieter cabin and an improved driving experience.
Trivedi, ArpitaKumar, RaviMadaan, AshishShrivastava, Pawan
In recent years, the automotive industry has shown growing interest in the vibroacoustic characteristics of electric propulsion motors. Investigation of such characteristics can open avenues for motor design optimization and refined control strategies to mitigate vibration and acoustic noise in an electric motor. This article presents a comprehensive vibroacoustic analysis of a propulsion interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) under various current excitations generated by the power converter in combination with three different modulation schemes. To evaluate the switching effect from the inverter drive on motor noise, different simulations and processes are performed in ANSYS Workbench and MATLAB/Simulink. The multi-physics noise and vibration workflow, and sampling requirements used for the study are also presented. The simulation results, presented as equivalent radiated power (ERP) waterfall diagrams, show diverse acoustic noise signatures for the different types of excitation currents.
Juarez-Leon, Francisco AlejandroSahu, Ashish KumarHaddad, Reemon Z.Al-Ani, DhafarBilgin, Berker
The transportation and mobility industry trend toward electrification is rapidly evolving and in this specific scenario, wind noise aeroacoustics becomes one of the major concerns for OEMs, as new propulsion systems are notably quieter than traditional ones. There is, however, very limited references available in the literature regarding validation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations applied to the prediction of aeroacoustics contribution to the noise generated by large commercial trucks. Thus, in this work, high-fidelity CFD simulations are performed using lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), which uses very large eddy simulation (VLES) turbulence model and compared to on-road physical tests of a heavy-duty truck to validate the approach. Furthermore, the effect of realistic wind conditions is also analyzed. Two different truck configurations are considered: one with side mirror (Case A) and the other without (Case B) side mirrors. The main focus of this work is to assess the accuracy of the commercial CFD software PowerFLOW® to predict greenhouse wind noise analysis for heavy vehicles as a tool to complement or replace physical testing during the vehicle design process. From this study, we found that external microphone measurements at the passenger-side glass demonstrate strong correlation with simulation results, highlighting the importance of including a typical level of on-road free-stream turbulence to achieve accurate sound pressure level (SPL) correlations for the full frequency range available from the physical test (i.e., 100 Hz to 2000 Hz) for both configurations.
Guleria, AbhishekNovacek, JustinIhi, RafaelFougere, NicolasDasarathan, Devaraj
An electric motor exhibits structural dynamic excitation at high frequency, making it particularly prone to noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) problems. To mitigate this effect, this article discusses a novel countermeasure technique to improve NVH performances of electric machines. A viscoelastic rubber layer is applied on the outer surface of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) as vibration damping treatment. The goal is to assess the countermeasure effectiveness in reducing acoustic emissions at different temperatures, through a combination of numerical modeling and experimental validation. A finite element model of the structure is realized, considering a viscoelastic material model for the rubber material, with frequency-dependent loss factor and storage modulus. The numerical model is validated by means of experimental modal tests performed on a house-built cylindrical structure, designed to mimic the geometry of a typical cooling jacket of a PMSM for automotive applications. The structure of a 10-pole 12-slots electric motor and the validated cooling jacket are modeled using finite element method (FEM). Vibro-acoustic simulations were carried out both with and without the presence of the viscoelastic damping layer. Results demonstrate that the application of the viscoelastic layer effectively reduces acoustic emissions, achieving a reduction of 9 dB.
Soresini, FedericoBarri, DarioBallo, FedericoManzoni, StefanoGobbi, MassimilianoMastinu, Giampiero
This ARP provides two methods for measuring the aircraft noise level reduction of building façades. Airports and their consultants can use either of the methods presented in this ARP to determine the eligibility of structures exposed to aircraft noise to participate in an FAA-funded Airport Noise Mitigation Project, to determine the treatments required to meet project objectives, and to verify that such objectives are satisfied.
A-21 Aircraft Noise Measurement Aviation Emission Modeling
Carbon/epoxy stiffened panels are being increasingly used in transport rotorcraft. The reduced mass density and high stiffness of carbon/epoxy composites can lead to higher levels of vibration relative to comparable metallic structures, which themselves can have vibrations and interior noise high enough to damage the hearing of crew and passengers. The current investigation explores a method to reduce the vibration of carbon/epoxy stiffened panels by introducing thickness tapers known as acoustic black holes (ABHs). The ABH feature is integrated into either the stiffeners or plate of a representative stiffened panel configuration. A finite element (FE) parametric study was used to guide designs that reduce the vibration of the panel without compromising the compressive buckling capability or mass of the panel. FE studies showed that a 30 ply to 12 ply thickness taper longitudinally oriented in the blade stiffener can reduce vibrations and increase compressive buckling capability. Carbon/epoxy panels were manufactured using a low-cost out-of-autoclave material with simple molding. Experimental testing concluded that integrating the ABH into the stiffeners longitudinally helped to reduce the broadband vibration by 5 dB and increase the buckling load (+4.3%) and collapse load (+16.5%) without increasing the mass greatly compared to a traditional baseline design.
Brown, AveryPatel, BhavyaRobertson, NoahBakis, CharlesSmith, EdwardBeck, BenShepherd, MicahVlajic, Nicholas
The implementation of active sound design models in vehicles requires precise tuning of synthetic sounds to harmonize with existing interior noise, driving conditions, and driver preferences. This tuning process is often time-consuming and intricate, especially facing various driving styles and preferences of target customers. Incorporating user feedback into the tuning process of Electric Vehicle Sound Enhancement (EVSE) offers a solution. A user-focused empirical test drive approach can be assessed, providing a comprehensive understanding of the EVSE characteristics and highlighting areas for improvement. Although effective, the process includes many manual tasks, such as transcribing driver comments, classifying feedback, and identifying clusters. By integrating driving simulator technology to the test drive assessment method and employing machine learning algorithms for evaluation, the EVSE workflow can be more seamlessly integrated. But do the simulated test drive results accurately reflect real-world impressions? This paper compares virtual test drive results with road test results and explores to what extent this unique method can be utilized to improve the EVSE tuning process.
Hank, StefanKamp, FabianGomes Lobato, Thiago Henrique
Wind noise is one of the largest sources to interior noise of modern vehicles. This noise is encountered when driving on roads and freeways from medium speed and generates considerable fatigue for passengers on long journeys. Aero-acoustic noise is the result of turbulent and acoustic pressure fluctuations created within the flow. They are transmitted to the passenger compartment via the vibro-acoustic excitation of vehicle surfaces and underbody cavities. Generally, this is the dominant flow-induced source at low frequencies. The transmission mechanism through the vehicle floor and underbody is a complex phenomenon as the paths to the cavity can be both airborne and structure-borne. This study is focused on the simulation of the floor contribution to wind noise of two types of vehicles (SUV and Sports car), whose underbody structure are largely different. Aero-Vibro-acoustic simulations are performed to identify the transmission mechanism of the underbody wind noise and contribution. The external fluctuating pressure fields are simulated using computational fluid dynamics based on the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM). The vehicle exterior and interior vibro-acoustic coupling and transmission are simulated using subsystems modeled by the finite-element (FEM), boundary element methods (BEM) and statistical energy analysis (SEA). The analysis results are discussed, and a contribution analysis is proposed to identify potential improvements.
Mordillat, PhilippeZerrad, MehdiErrico, Fabrizio
Sound source identification based on beamforming is widely used today as a spatial sound field visualization technology in wind tunnel experiments for vehicle development. However, the conventional beamforming technique has its inherent limitation, such as bad spatial resolution at the low frequency range, and limited system dynamic range. To improve the performance, three deconvolution methods CLEAN, CLEAN-SC and DAMAS were investigated and applied to identify wind noise sources on a production car in this paper. After analysis of vehicle exterior wind noise sources distribution, correlation analysis between identified exterior noise sources and interior noise were conducted to study their energy contribution to vehicle interior. The results show that the algorithm CLEAN-SC based on spatial source coherence shows the best capability to remove the sidelobes for the uncorrelated wind noise sources, while CLEAN and DAMAS, which are based on point spread functions have definite limitations. Considering the testing car, the main noise source of exterior is from the wheelhouse region, then follows the rearview mirror with much lower sound energy. However, noise from the mirror contributes most to the vehicle interior, while the contribution from wheelhouse region ranks the second place. In addition, windshield wipers and door handle can do perceptible contributions to vehicle interior noise at some characteristic frequency bands.
He, YinzhiShen, HenghaoWu, YuZhang, LijunYang, ZhigangBlumrich, ReinhardWiedemann, Jochen
This study introduces a computational approach to evaluate potential noise issues arising from liftgate gaps and their contribution to cabin noise early in the design process. This computational approach uses an extensively-validated Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver to predict the transient flow field and exterior noise sources. Transmission of these noise sources through glass panels and seals were done by a well-validated statistical energy analysis (SEA) solver. Various sealing strategies were investigated to reduce interior noise levels attributed to these gaps, aiming to enhance wind noise performance. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating computational tools in the early design stages to mitigate wind noise issues and optimize sealing strategies effectively.
Moron, PhilippeJantzen, AndreasKim, MinsukSenthooran, Sivapalan
The unsteady wind conditions experienced by a vehicle whilst driving on the road are different to those typically experienced in the steady-flow wind tunnel development environment, due to turbulence in the natural wind, moving through the unsteady wakes of other road vehicles and travelling through the stationary wakes generated by roadside obstacles. This paper presents an experimental approach using a large SUV-shaped vehicle to assess the effect of unsteady wind on the modulated noise performance, commonly used to evaluate unsteady wind noise characteristics. The contribution from different geometric modifications were also assessed. The approach is extended to assess the pressure distribution on the front side glass of the vehicle, caused by the aerodynamic interactions of the turbulent inflow in straight and yawed positions, to provide insight into the noise generation mechanisms and differences in behaviour between the two environments. The vehicle response to unsteady wind conditions was assessed using two approaches: a dynamic upstream unsteady flow the using active side wind generator of the FKFS wind tunnel and through quasi-steady measurement at a series of fixed yaw angles. The study examines the characteristics of modulated wind noise with respect to its frequency and amplitude modulation across different vehicle configurations. Pressure distribution analyses revealed a correlation between increased unsteadiness in the upstream flow, and the distribution of modulated, blustery noise perceived in cabin which varied with geometric modifications. The insights obtained can be used to understand modulation noise characteristics better and make design decisions during the vehicle development process.
Jamaluddin, Nur SyafiqahOettle, NicholasStaron, Domenic
Mechanical light detection and ranging (LiDAR) units utilize spinning lasers to scan surrounding areas to enable limited autonomous driving. The motors within the LiDAR modules create vibration that can propagate through the vehicle frame and become unwanted noise in the cabin of a vehicle. Decoupling the module from the body of the vehicle with highly damped elastomers can reduce the acoustic noise in the cabin and improve the driving experience. Damped elastomers work by absorbing the vibrational energy and dispelling it as low-grade heat. By creating a unique test method to model the behavior of the elastomers, a predictable pattern of the damping ratio yielded insight into the performance of the elastomer throughout the operating temperature range of the LiDAR module. The test method also provides an objective analysis of elastomer durability when exposed to extreme temperatures and loading conditions for extended periods of time. Confidence in elastomer behavior and life span was restored when no signs of performance degradation were present after 30 simulated years of normal loading conditions at extreme temperatures.
Russell, CaseyMasterson, PeterO'Connell, Kerry
Analyzing acoustic performance in large and complex assemblies, such as vehicle cabins, can be a time-intensive process, especially when considering the impact of seat location variations on noise levels. This paper explores the use of Ansys simulation and AI tools to streamline this process by predicting the effects of different speaker locations and seat configurations on cabin noise, particularly at the driver’s ear level. The study begins by establishing a baseline simulation of cabin noise and generating training data for various seat location scenarios. This data is then used to train an AI model capable of predicting the noise impact of different design adjustments. These predictions are validated through detailed simulations. The paper discusses the accuracy of these predictions, the challenges encountered and provides insights into the effective use of AI models in acoustic analysis for cabin noise, with a specific emphasis on seat location as a key variable.
Kottalgi, SantoshHe, JunyanBanerjee, Bhaskar
Damping treatments play a key role in the definition of efficient acoustic packages for passenger cars with all types of propulsion systems. Many damper configurations are similar for all vehicles including treatments of wheelhouses, spare wheel area, roof panels etc. However, there are some characteristics of car body acoustics in electric vehicles, which need to be considered in the definition of the efficient damping package. This paper investigates the impact of the high voltage (HV) battery on interior noise related characteristics of the car body using laser scanning vibrometry (LSV) and 3D sound intensity test methods. It is shown that both methods lead to similar conclusions in terms of proper distribution of damping material. Furthermore, findings are used in the damping package case study resulting in two additional proposals of the damping layout with different lightweight and acoustic requirements. Lab evaluation of the new damping package variants are conducted by laser vibrometry tests and the impact on interior noise is confirmed by road tests in the prototype vehicle.
Unruh, OliverGielok, Martin
Squeak and Rattle (S&R) issues present significant challenges in the automotive industry, negatively affecting the perceived quality of vehicles. Early identification of these issues through rigorous testing protocols—such as auditory assessments and dynamic simulations—enables the development of more robust systems while optimizing resource use. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations are crucial for identifying S&R issues during the design phase, allowing engineers to address potential problems before the creation of physical prototypes. By developing high-fidelity virtual models and accurately simulating flexible connections, these simulations effectively capture rattle effects, enhancing prediction reliability. Traditional snap stiffness calculations typically employ a cantilever-based formulation, which is suitable for simple snap-fit designs but insufficient for more complex geometries that require enhanced stiffness. To address this limitation, the proposed methodology utilizes non-linear simulations for precise snap stiffness determination. A snap-fit was isolated from CAD and meshed using solid elements, with appropriate contact properties established for non-linear static analysis. The pull-out force was captured and validated against previous work to ensure accurate physics representation. Snap stiffness was calculated based on head deflection, revealing noticeable differences compared to standard calculations. This proposed methodology represents a step toward standardizing snap stiffness calculations, ensuring the repeatability and reliability of results generated from S&R simulations.
Rao, SohanElangovan, PraneshReddy, Hari
A test and signal processing strategy was developed to allow a tire manufacturer to predict vehicle-level interior response based on component-level testing of a single tire. The approach leveraged time-domain Source-Path-Contribution (SPC) techniques to build an experimental model of an existing single tire tested on a dynamometer and substitute into a simulator vehicle to predict vehicle-level performance. The component-level single tire was characterized by its acoustic source strength and structural forces estimated by means of virtual point transformation and a matrix inversion approach. These source strengths and forces were then inserted into a simulator vehicle model to predict the acoustic signature, in time-domain, at the passenger’s ears. This approach was validated by comparing the vehicle-level prediction to vehicle-level measured response. The experimental model building procedure can then be adopted as a standard procedure to aid in vehicle development programs.
Nashio, HiroshiKajiwara, KoheiRinaldi, GiovanniSakamoto, Yumiko
During cylinder deactivation events, high amplitude torque pulsations are generated at the crankshaft of the engine over a wide frequency range creating a potential risk for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance of the vehicle. As passive tuned mass dampers are effective only in a narrow frequency range, active tuned mass dampers (ATMD) have become a popular choice to mitigate the risk. Often, engineers rely on finite element (FE) models of vehicle structures to make design decisions during the early stages of vehicle development. However, there is limited literature on the simulation of ATMD using FE techniques. Consequently, several details related to the ATMD design are decided through physical testing at the latter stages of vehicle development which is not ideal. To address these issues, a novel methodology to simulate an ATMD during cylinder deactivation events using FE technique is presented here. In this study, an ATMD based on force feedback control method was simulated in a FE model of a large SUV with body-on-frame architecture. The proposed methodology demonstrated that ATMDs not only reduce tactile vibrations but can also considerably reduce structure borne interior noise. After multiple simulations using the proposed methodology, an optimal location and mass of ATMD which yielded the lowest interior noise levels was identified. Such a methodology can be applied on computationally large FE models during early stages of vehicle development thereby reducing physical testing.
Maddali, RamakanthMogal, Akbar BaigHaider, SyedJahangir, Yawar
Helicopter vibrations, primarily generated by the main rotor-gearbox assembly, are a major source of concern due to their impact on structural integrity, cockpit instrument durability, and crew comfort. These vibrations are mainly transmitted through the gearbox’s rigid support struts to the fuselage, leading to increased cabin noise and potential damage to critical components. This paper presents a solution for vibration mitigation which involves replacing traditional gearbox support struts with low-weight, high-performance active dampers. Developed by Elettronica Aster S.p.A., these active dampers are designed as electro-hydraulic actuators embedded within a compliant structure. The parallel nested configuration of the system enables high power densities and effective vibration control, significantly reducing the transmission of harmful vibrations to the fuselage. The comprehensive model-based design process is detailed, describing the development and use of a high-fidelity physics-based mathematical model as a design digital twin. It allowed optimizing the damper’s performance to meet the stringent operational requirements of the considered case study, consisting in a 15-seat medium-sized twin-engine helicopter. This model was essential to simulate and verify the system’s behavior under various conditions to ensure a robust and reliable design and the proper setup of controller’s parameters. Additionally, the paper presents the design, modelling and realization of a dedicated test bench for an experimental campaign, which aimed to validate the model results, tune parameters, and evaluate and verify the damper’s real-world performance. The active damper prototype underwent rigorous experimental validation, confirming its ability to meet performance targets, significantly reduce vibration transmission and improve helicopter durability and crew comfort. The results of the extensive testing are shown, demonstrating the practical application of the fully integrated proposed solution. This innovative approach to vibration control offers a practical and efficient solution to a longstanding issue in helicopter operations, reinforcing the potential of the presented solution for effective vibration reduction.
Bertolino, Antonio CarloSorli, MassimoPorro, Paolo GiovanniGalli, Claudio
Wind noise is an important indicator for evaluating cabin comfort, and it is essential to accurately predict the wind noise inside the vehicle. In the early stage of automotive design, since the geometry and properties of the sealing strip are often unknown, the contribution of the sealing strip to the wind noise is often directly ignored, which makes the wind noise obtained through simulation in the pre-design stage to be lower than the real value. To investigate the effect of each seal on wind noise, an SUV model was used to simulate the cases of not adding body seals, adding window seals, and further adding door seals, respectively. The contribution of each seal to wind noise was obtained and verified by comparing it with the test results. The influence of the cavity formed at the door seal was also addressed. In the simulations, a CFD solver based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) was used to solve the external flow field, and the noise transmitted into the interior of the vehicle through each sealing strip was analyzed using the statistical energy analysis (SEA) method. The results show that the simulation method used in this article can predict the effect of each seal on wind noise more accurately in the pre-design stage of the automobile, which provides guidance for the control of seal noise in the pre-design of the automobile. By analyzing the impact of various sealing strips on the noise inside the car, the significance to take into account the effect of door and window seals on interior noise during the early stages of car design is verified, and it proves that the adopted method can provide effective guidance for controlling sealing noise in the early stage of car design.
Zhang, YingchaoHe, TengshengWang, YuqiNiu, JiqiangZhang, ZheShen, ChunZhang, Chengchun
The significance of the liftgate's role in vehicle low-frequency boom noise is highlighted by its modal coupling with the vehicle's acoustic cavity modes. The liftgate's acoustic sensitivity and susceptibility to vehicle vibration excitation are major contributors to this phenomenon. This paper presents a CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) methodology for designing vehicle liftgates to reduce boom risk. Empirical test data commonly show a correlation between high levels of liftgate vibration response to vehicle excitations and elevated boom risk in the vehicle cabin. However, exceptions to this trend exist; some vehicles exhibit low boom risk despite high vibration responses, while others show high boom risk despite low vibration responses. These discrepancies indicate that liftgate vibratory response alone is not a definitive measure of boom risk. Nonetheless, evidence shows that establishing a vibration level control guideline during the design stage results in lower boom risk. The analysis of numerous vehicles confirms that most vehicles achieve a low forced vibration response, leading to the proposal of a vibratory response target. Furthermore, the relationship between liftgate modal coupling and the vehicle's acoustic cavity modes reveals that liftgate boom risk is a product of the liftgate's Frequency Response Function (FRF) and its acoustic sensitivity. Based on this relationship, we propose an objective target setting to minimize liftgate boom risk. Additionally, the linearity of the liftgate's response to forced vibration excitation was experimentally examined. The CAE model used in this analysis was confirmed to be accurate. The study also examines the effectiveness of the liftgate damper in reducing boom risk. This comprehensive study underscores the critical role of the liftgate in vehicle acoustics and the necessity for precise modeling to effectively mitigate low-frequency boom noise.
Abbas, AhmadHaider, Syed
Automotive audio components must meet high quality expectations with ever-decreasing development costs. Predictive methods for the performance of sound systems in view of the optimal locations of loudspeakers in a car can help to overcome this challenge. Use of simulation methods would enable this process to be brought up front and get integrated in the vehicle design process. The main objective of this work is to develop a virtual auralization model of a vehicle interior with audio system. The application of inverse numerical acoustics [INA] to source detection in a speaker is discussed. The method is based on truncated singular value decomposition and acoustic transfer vectors The arrays of transfer functions between the acoustic pressure and surface normal velocity at response sites are known as acoustic transfer vectors. In addition to traditional nearfield pressure measurements, the approach can also include velocity data on the boundary surface to improve the confidence of the source identification. The surface vibration pattern over the surface of the virtual speaker is first extracted based on measured sound pressure data. The acoustic response in a free field generated by the virtual speaker is validated by comparing the sound pressure level from direct measurements and from numerical prediction. The validated virtual speaker with vibration pattern is then applied in a full vehicle model to predict interior sound field. Investigated the interior noise due to speaker with its directivity considered. Inverse numerical acoustics used to retrieve the surface normal velocities on the acoustic model. The technique allows to back calculate the operational vibrations based on operational near field pressure measurements. Near field pressure measurements are required to capture all acoustic waves (radiated waves + evanescent waves). More mid-field pressure measurements were taken to verify the correctness of the suggested method. A good agreement is discovered when the measurements are compared to the re-computed field.
Baladhandapani, DhanasekarThaduturu, Sai RavikiranDu, Isaac
The sound generated by electric propulsion systems differs compared to the prevalent sound generated by combustion engines. By exposing listeners to various sound situations, the manufacturer can start understanding which direction to take to achieve compelling battery electric vehicle trucks from a sound perspective. The main objective of this study is to understand what underlying aspects decide the experience and perception of heavy vehicle–related sounds in the context of electrified propulsion. Using a thematic analysis of data collected at a listening experiment conducted in 2020, factors affecting the perception of novel sounds generated by a first-generation electric truck are investigated. A hypothesis is that the experience of driving or being a passenger in electric trucks will affect the rating and response differently compared to listeners not yet experienced with this sound. The results show that the combination of individual preference and experience, hearing function, acoustic content, time variation, signal stability, load-dependent feedback, and situation-equivalent sounds affect the outcome. The assessment and rating of quality and acceptance did not differ between battery electric truck experienced listeners and first-time listeners in general. The only driving condition clearly breaking this pattern was the auxiliary brake condition, which, besides being significantly higher rated by novel listeners, also stood out as the highest-rated and most positively commented driving operation overall. In conclusion, several combined factors affect the assessment of electric truck sounds. Three identified aspects are removing disturbing sounds, making the sound environment smooth and silent, and providing clear functional feedback. Memory of the contextual experience is a key factor when assessing sounds from driving operations. The expected difference between listeners with and without experience with electric truck sounds will be minor unless there is exceptionally high sound quality.
Nyman, BirgittaFagerlönn, JohanNykänen, Arne
Customers are expecting higher level of refinement in electric vehicle. Since the background noise is less in electric vehicle in comparison with ICE, it is challenging for NVH engineers to address even minor noise concerns without cost and mass addition. Higher boom noise is perceived in the test vehicle when driven on the coarse road at a speed of 50 kmph. The test vehicle is rear wheel driven vehicle powered by electric motor. Multi reference Transfer Path Analysis (TPA) is conducted on the vehicle to identify the path through which maximum forces are entering the body. Based on the findings from TPA, solutions like reduction in the dynamic stiffness of the suspension bushes are optimized which resulted in reduction of noise. To reduce the noise further, Operational Deflection Shape (ODS) analysis is conducted on the entire vehicle to identify the deflection shapes of all the suspension components and all the body panels like floor, roof, tailgate, dash panel, quarter panel and doors at the problematic frequency. Based on ODS, the components having higher deflections at the problematic frequency is identified. Modifications are proposed to improve the dynamic stiffness of the structure at the problematic frequency and the contribution of each modification for cabin noise reduction is discussed. Solutions like tuned mass dampers (TMD) on suspension components are explored and the critical parameter which should be considered to get maximum reduction in noise with TMD is also discussed. With all the modifications, the noise levels are reduced by 5 dB (A) at problematic frequency. NVH criteria which should be considered related to suspension system to avoid boom noise concern in electric vehicle is also discussed.
S, Nataraja MoorthyRao, Manchi VenkateswaraRaghavendran, PrasathSelvam, Ebinezer
Noise induced by the Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) system inside a vehicle cabin can cause significant discomfort to passengers and, in turn, affect the brand image in a competitive automotive market. HVAC acoustic performance has become more prominent with the ongoing transformation from Internal Combustion (IC) to Electric Vehicle (EV) segments. For this reason, acoustic quality is increasingly prioritized as a key design issue throughout the entire development process of the HVAC system. This paper covers the design synthesis considering air handling unit-induced airborne and structure-borne noise of a dashboard-mounted HVAC system to achieve better NVH refinement inside vehicle while maintaining thermal performance. This study began by analysing HVAC-induced blower motor, impeller, air ducts, vents, and recirculation suction noise from the vehicle level to subsystem level and eventually at the component level. At the subsystem level, major noise source identification and source ranking were carried out with the help of an acoustic camera. This study revealed that the blower unit recirculation suction path, blower motor impeller, and air ducts radiated noise as potential sources causing overall subsystem and vehicle cabin noise to increase. A novel suction path design was developed to improve recirculation suction air rush noise at the subsystem level. Air ducts radiated mid-frequency noise was optimized by developing acoustic air ducts at the subsystem level. At unit level, blower impeller noise improvement was achieved by developing a quiet blower impeller. Finally, all design modifications were implemented on HVAC unit and thermoacoustic performance was evaluated on a production vehicle. The output of this work was development of a cascading methodology, a reduction in 4-5 dB (A) HVAC system noise and a 10% increase in the articulation index of the car. Additionally, the sound quality of HVAC noise was significantly improved by reducing loudness by 5 sones.
Titave, Uttam VasantNaidu, SudhakaraKalsule, Shrikant
Over the past twenty years, the automotive sector has increasingly prioritized lightweight and eco-friendly products. Specifically, in the realm of tyres, achieving reduced weight and lower rolling resistance is crucial for improving fuel efficiency. However, these goals introduce significant challenges in managing Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH), particularly regarding mid-frequency noise inside the vehicle. This study focuses on analyzing the interior noise of a passenger car within the 250 to 500 Hz frequency range. It examines how tyre tread stiffness and carcass stiffness affect this noise through structural borne noise test on a rough road drum and modal analysis, employing both experimental and computational approaches. Findings reveal that mid-frequency interior noise is significantly affected by factors such as the tension in the cap ply, the stiffness of the belt, and the properties of the tyre sidewall.
Subbian, JaiganeshM, Saravanan
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