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A mechanism to minimize the noise in the vehicle interior
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1  Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Jaffna
Academic Editor: Jose Alfonso Antonino Daviu

Abstract:

The automotive industry is suffering due to interior noise propagation. These noise sources can be generated from roads, wind, and vehicle interiors. This study aims to develop a sound minimization panel for interiors using the concepts of sound reflection and sound absorption properties. In the methodology, a type of vehicle has been selected and studied for various noise-generating spots in its interiors. For analysis, a box model was built using an eltoro board with limited dimensions. A noise-level meter was inserted and the box was completely sealed to prevent the impacts of external noise. Two smartphones were connected to observe the reading inside the sealed box. To start, four different interior positions were selected, namely, the front left seat, the rear mid seat, the rear left seat, and the rear right seat. The readings were collected for the engine’s idle speed with air-conditioning “ON”, engine’s idle speed with air-conditioning “OFF”, first gear at 30 kmph, second gear at 45 kmph, and drive gear at 60 kmph in a standard road condition. With the gathered average readings for each case, a graphical plot was developed. As an improvement, rock wool and glass wool materials were superimposed in a zigzag approach. This developed material was applied inside the box model developed previously. A similar analysis was performed to identify the changes after the improvement. The results elucidated that the panel worked well, as expected. We concluded that 14.25%, 14.89%, 16.27%, 17.76%, and 17% of noise minimization, on average, could be achieved in first gear, in second gear, in drive gear, with air-conditioning “ON”, and with air-conditioning “OFF”, respectively. Though this conceptual model has limitations with the measurements, the results remained comparable. Indeed, this improvement suggested a better interior noise control mechanism for the selected vehicle.

Keywords: Vehicle interior; automotive industry; sound absorption; sound reflection; noise minimization;

 
 
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