NVH Testing

Here are the main types of NVH testing for automotive vehicles:

Noise Testing

• Interior Noise: Measures the noise levels inside the vehicle cabin under various driving conditions. Different sources of noise, such as engine, road, wind, and HVAC systems, are assessed.
• Exterior Noise: Evaluates the noise emitted by the vehicle to the external environment. It includes measurements of pass-by noise and stationary noise levels.

 

Vibration Testing

• Whole-Body Vibration: Analyses the vibrations transmitted through the vehicle’s chassis to the occupants. These vibrations can originate from engine, road, suspension, and drivetrain components.
• Hand-Arm Vibration: Focuses on vibrations transmitted to the driver and occupants through the steering wheel and controls.

 

Harshness Testing

• Ride Harshness: Assesses the discomfort experienced by passengers due to road-induced vibrations and impacts. It involves evaluating how well the suspension system isolates the vehicle from road irregularities.
• Engine Noise and Vibration Harshness (NVH): Evaluates the noise and vibrations generated by the engine, including assessing engine mounts, exhaust systems, and ancillary components.

Modal Analysis

• Identifies the natural resonant frequencies and mode shapes of vehicle components and systems. This analysis helps engineers optimize designs to avoid resonance-related issues.

 

Sound Quality Analysis

• Focuses on the perception of sound by occupants. It involves subjective assessments of sound characteristics, such as pitch, loudness, and tonal quality, to create a pleasing auditory experience.

 

Acoustic Material Testing

• Evaluates the effectiveness of sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials used in the vehicle’s construction. This testing helps engineers select and position materials to minimize unwanted noise.

Wind Noise Testing

• Measures and analyses the noise generated by air turbulence and airflow around the vehicle, particularly at higher speeds. It helps optimize vehicle design to reduce wind noise.

Torsional Vibration Testing

• Assesses the torsional vibrations in drivetrain components, such as the engine and transmission. This testing helps optimize component design and minimise drivetrain related NVH issues.
  
  

Durability Testing

• Involves subjecting the vehicle to various road conditions and environmental factors to identify potential wear and degradation that could lead to increased NVH levels over time.