Vehicle Noise Control and Acoustic Testing

Vehicle noise represents one of the most frustrating issues with which OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturers) have to contend with. Excessive vibration needs to be factored in early in the design and production process. This requires experience when it comes to knowing which materials and parts to use, how to size the components, and where to place them.

Reducing noise on commercial vehicles includes industrial vehicles, construction equipment, mining vehicles, transport vehicles, agricultural vehicles, military vehicles and marine vehicles.

It is best to source a noise control expert who understands the science behind how individual components contribute to the overall noise of the vehicle. There are a variety of techniques available to identify and quantify noise sources. The resulting information is used to break information down into what is referred to as 'noise paths'.

Typically noise testing will take place in a laboratory for acoustic testing but some tests can be performed onsite. Common tests that an acoustic technician performs include: sound power level measurement, vibration measurement, frequency analysis, FFT (to break the frequencies down into groups which are easier to assess), noise source identification, noise mapping and modal analysis.
There are many companies who can diagnose vehicle noise problems but there are few who can also supply the solution. Solutions-based testing will often include sound absorption testing of new materials/composites in reverberation chambers.

Industrial Vehicle Noise control should ideally start during the prototyping phase for OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Noise assessment means testing a vehicle with specialist equipment, while prototype parts are mocked up and fitted. This development process takes place either at the client's site or at the acoustic testing companies' testing facility. After final assembly and tweaks the noise control specialists need to be able to present their results so that the client can both measure and hear the noise reduction achieved on the vehicle.

Some Noise control companies have their own manufacturing facility which means that product design, manufacture and quality are under their direct control. This is ideal for an OEM which wishes to develop a partnership with a company that can supply acoustic testing and use noise control products with each new product cycle.

The on-going support of acoustic experts with noise control and testing capabilities is invaluable for companies that want to produce excellent state-of-the-art vehicles from the get-go. The right provider with pertinent project-based experience should be able to provide cost effective solutions for existing products too.

About the Author

Ventac provides professional Noise Control Solutions for vehicles, buildings and industrial installations with a focus on both Acoustic Testing and solutions. http://www.ventac.com

Author (carlainspiration). Submitted on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 Time: 1:41 PM

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