What are the best ways to measure automotive NVH?

1 NVH Sources and Types

NVH can originate from different sources, such as the engine, transmission, suspension, tires, brakes, exhaust, aerodynamics, and road conditions. Depending on the source, NVH can be classified into three types: structure-borne, air-borne, and fluid-borne. Structure-borne NVH is transmitted through solid components, such as the chassis or the body. Air-borne NVH is propagated through the air, such as the wind noise or the engine sound. Fluid-borne NVH is caused by the flow of liquids or gases, such as the fuel or the coolant.

2 NVH Measurement Methods

There are two main methods to measure NVH: subjective and objective. Subjective methods rely on human perception and evaluation, such as customer surveys, ratings, or preferences. Objective methods use instruments and data analysis, such as sensors, microphones, accelerometers, or software. Subjective methods can provide valuable feedback on customer satisfaction and expectations, but they are influenced by personal preferences, emotions, and biases. Objective methods can provide accurate and consistent measurements of NVH parameters, such as frequency, amplitude, or phase, but they may not capture the holistic impression of NVH quality.

4 NVH Measurement Challenges

NVH measurement is not an easy task to undertake; it involves many complexities and difficulties. These include the complexity and variability of NVH, which is impacted by a variety of factors such as vehicle configuration, driving scenario, environmental conditions, and human factors. Additionally, NVH is often affected by subtle changes or disturbances, which requires high-quality and reliable tools and equipment that can capture and isolate the relevant signals while minimizing errors and uncertainties. Lastly, NVH measurement involves a lot of resources and efforts, making it necessary to employ efficient and effective methods and tools to reduce the cost and time of the testing and development process.

5 NVH Measurement Best Practices

To achieve the best results in NVH measurement, automotive engineers should begin by defining the NVH objectives and criteria, such as customer requirements, regulations, or benchmarks. It is then necessary to plan and design the NVH test, including the selection of sources, types, methods, tools, and parameters. During the test, it is essential to perform and monitor it according to the plan and design, ensuring that conditions are controlled and consistent, and that data quality is high and valid. Finally, after the test it is crucial to analyze and interpret the data using appropriate software and algorithms to extract meaningful information about NVH performance, issues, or improvements.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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