Optimization of Sound Packages for Commercial Vehicles Using Panel Contribution Analysis 2009-01-2241

Microphone array-based Panel Contribution Analysis (PCA) is a new technique used for Sound Package design optimization for commercial vehicles. The technique allows for noise control performance and cost optimization.

This technique ranks the contribution of fully trimmed structural panels (e.g. floor, roof, etc.) and leaks in a vehicle cabin to the noise levels experienced by a driver while the vehicle is in cruising operation. Often the noise and vibration sources (engine, transmission, exhaust, aerodynamic noise, tires, etc) cannot be easily modified, thus the only practical action to solve noise problems is to design the noise control treatments applied to the vehicle panels. Panels that have a large contribution to the noise levels at the driver's ear are heavily treated with noise control materials, whereas panels with low contribution get little to no treatment.

This paper describes a microphone array-based PCA technique, and the results of a successful application of it to optimize the interior noise level performance of a new commercial vehicle. The application results clearly indicated the dominant contributing panels to the sound pressure levels at the driver's ear.