Contribution Analysis of Simulated Pass-by Data using Operational Transfer Path Analysis

As the exterior noise emitted by a vehicle is getting more and more attention, simulated pass-by measurements become more important. This well established method provides information about the total noise emitted by the vehicle. For a vehicle manufacturer it is not only interesting to know about the total noise but also to know how this total exterior noise is composed of different contributions, such as for example the contribution of the engine, the intake or exhaust system. Transfer path analysis (TPA) provides a separation of these contributions for each of the pass-by microphones alongside the track. Presented is a method for fast and efficient determination of the contributions of multiple sources using operational transfer path analysis (OTPA). The calculation of the transfer characteristics between the reference measurement points on the vehicle and the corresponding response points of both microphone lines are carried out while operation of the vehicle. As result of the contribution analysis from operational transfer path analysis, the characteristic noise level as function of the covered distance is displayed for all individual sound sources, thus providing in depth information for sound quality engineering.