Transfer Path Analysis of Road Noise: Overview and Customized Approaches for Road Rumble Noise 2010-36-0448

The purpose of this paper is to experimentally analyze structural-borne contributions of noise, vibration and harshness during tire rolling, also called Road NVH, in a passenger vehicle using energy transfer path analysis method (TPA), applied in a case study. During the investigation, the influences of the accelerations and forces through the A-arm front suspension bushings are highlighted due their contribution to the estimated overall interior noise, which is correlated to measured overall interior noise. The structural contribution begins as a direct result of tire vibration from surface interactions. These mechanical vibrations, mainly below 450 Hz, are transmitted to all chassis and body subsystems, resulting into noise and vibration perceived by the passengers in the cabin interior. This study is motivated by improvements in Powertrain NVH and Wind Noise, which unbalance Road NVH on various conditions. Thus, when seeking the refinement of tactile, psycho-acoustic and dynamic comfort, motivated by the market that requires increasingly lighter vehicles, with less environmental impact, low cost and high quality, it is necessary to develop the concepts of the entire chassis, hard points and body to optimize dynamic performance ratio versus NVH sources balance.