Development Strategies for Creating Quiet Vehicles: Insights from a 35-Year Veteran 2023-01-1116

Revised Abstract From the early 1980’s through 2015, the engineering community has witnessed dramatic changes in the technology for mitigating sound in vehicles. Throughout these years, vehicle noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) engineers were skilled and talented in testing vehicles, and at conducting laboratory studies of materials and trim-insulator components. This paper surveys a wide variety of processes that NVH automotive engineers use to develop trim-insulator packages which are effective in reducing cab-interior noise while being cosmetically appealing. Benchmarking techniques are explored with the objective of identifying targets for prospective new vehicles. A systematic vehicle experimental test technique is reviewed which aids in cascading overall cab-interior sound pressure level (SPL) targets to trim-insulator performance targets. Acoustical material laboratory tests are briefly described along with the role they play in selecting trim-insulator products for vehicles. This paper will also review how absorption and damping are employed to reduce cab-interior SPL. And finally, body shell acoustical isolation is examined along with sealing techniques.