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Recent advances in the field of vehicle noise control have subjected the automobile to the “drained swamp syndrome”. Quieter engines, powertrains and bodies, combined with passive sound treatments for the interior have unearthed the stumps; radio antenna wind noise is one of them. This has prompted various innovative designs and redesigns for radio antennas that have been employed by major manufacturers in recent vehicles. This paper aims to determine the optimal antenna design through experimental testing both on the road and in the laboratory.

Modern trends in noise control engineering have subjected the automobile to the “drained swamp” syndrome. Squeaks and rattles (S&R) have surfaced as major concerns. Customers increasingly perceive S&R as direct indicators of vehicle build quality and durability. The high profile nature of S&R has led manufacturers to formulate numerous specifications for assemblies and components. Even so, a large majority of buzz, squeak and rattle (BSR) issues are identified very late in the production cycle, some often after the vehicle is launched. Traditionally, the “find-and-fix” approach is widely adopted, leading to extensive BSR warranty bills. The “design-right-the-first-time” approach must replace the “find-and-fix” approach. Due to the vast breadth and depth of S&R issues, a comprehensive summary of the present state of the art is essential. This paper includes a literature survey of the current state of the art of S&R, and discusses the methods available to further advance it.