Control of Airborne Road Noise Using Sealers 2010-36-0458
Noise generated during tire/road interaction has significant
impact on the acoustic comfort of a vehicle. One of the most common
approaches to attenuate road noise levels consists on the addition
of mass treatments to the vehicle panels. However, the acoustic
performance of sealing elements is also relevant and has an
important contribution to the noise transmission into the vehicle
interior.
In this paper the correct balance between the mass added to
treat vehicle panels and sealing content is investigated. The
procedure to quantify the critical road noise transmission paths
consists of recording interior noise levels as applied treatment is
removed from potential weak areas, such as wheelhouses, floor,
doors and body pillars. It is observed that the noise propagation
through body pillars has a direct influence on road noise levels.
In this case, the use of acoustic sealers placed in the body pillar
sections can reduce noise transmission particularly at high
frequencies leading to the achievement of desired vehicle acoustic
comfort levels.