Fields of Activity

• Vehicle acoustics
• Measure – analyse – simulate – optimise
• Acoustics of alternative drivetrains
• Exterior noise measurement
• Torsional-vibration analysis

General information

The increasing demands on decreasing exterior noise emissions required by law and on pleasant interior noise make our acoustics department extremely important within our research work. Nowadays it is inevitable to optimize the interior and exterior noise of vehicles constantly. Manufacturers and suppliers likewise take care of meeting the requirements of vehicle acoustics. Due to this trend in automotive development we also pay special attention to vehicle acoustics. Fifteen years ago Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. J. W. Biermann launched the unit “Vehicle NVH”. We cover the entire spectrum of tasks provided by this field by numerous research and development projects. Due to our comprehensive knowledge, modern tools and facilities we are able to meet the various demands of our customers.

The two major fields of vehicle NVH in measurement and calculation are interior noise & vibration and exterior noise respectively. Exterior noise emission of vehicles is a substantial factor contributing to the environmental impact of traffic. Therefore, legislators all over the world have regulated exterior noise limits. Thus the automotive industry faces the need to meet the requirements to license their vehicles.
In the subject area “exterior noise” we carry out noise measurements. In order to analyze dominant sources we apply aiming insulating measures culminating in special encapsulated vehicles.

In the field “interior noise” we execute road tests or drive tests on the roller test bench in the anechoic chamber. One main focus are drive train vibrations. We developed component test benches, equipped with high-resolution measuring devices for detailed investigations on phenomena like gear noise, clutch squeal, joint beam.

Beyond conventional sound measurement equipment we use a measuring system, which acquires sound signals as perceived by the human ear. This equipment is the basis for subsequent subjective noise rating and sound design. In our psychoacoustics-laboratory juries rate vehicle noise in listening tests according to well-accepted methods.

Another major task is the investigation of structure dynamics. Components like engine or gearbox housings or even complete body shells are studied in testing and simulation. For measurement purposes we apply – among others – the Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA). The Finite Element Method (FEM) and Boundary Element Method (BEM) or Multi-Body Systems are used for simulations.

Have a look at our research projects here.