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Since many automobile NVH issues involve the analysis of order spectra it is highly important that the methods used should be accurate and consistent. A review of the literature shows little discussion of several key issues which could cause problems and possibly invalidate test results. Also, experience indicates that different methods may yield different results unless these key issues are dealt with. This paper compares four different approaches to order tracking as applied to typical engine sweep data: order analysis of conventional fixed frequency waterfall plots, synchronous sampling order tracking, computed digital order tracking, and Kalman filtering. It is shown that unless the analysis parameters are carefully chosen the results of the analysis may be in error. The major issues for the conventional fixed sampling rate waterfall method arise because sweeping the orders causes a frequency smearing effect.

Vehicle interior noise due to powerplant radiation is a product of two factors, the noise level radiated by the powerplant and the effectiveness of the vehicle body and sound package in reducing this noise. Effective noise reduction strategies require that the appropriate target levels be set for these factors. This paper reviews studies performed at Ford to establish such targets and the theoretical basis of these studies. To set sound package targets engine noise simulators have been used to study the sound package noise reduction capabilities of various vehicles. These studies include the effect of noise source location on attenuation, the effect of powerplant location and dimensions, and the effect of interior microphone location. Engine noise targets are being established by testing powerplants in the hemi-anechoic dynamometer test cells of the new AEC Building. Studies include the effect of engine rpm, load, and microphone location.