The term “objectionable noise” refers to sounds that are unpleasant, distracting, or intrusive to vehicle occupants. These noises often affect perceptions of quality, comfort, and overall driving experience. As consumer expectations rise, Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) testing has become more important than ever to identify, measure, and mitigate undesirable sounds and vibrations within products.
For automotive OEMs and suppliers, NVH testing involves a range of diagnostic and evaluation techniques to assess the acoustic and vibrational behavior of a vehicle's components, subsystems, and systems. These tests occur at various stages of product development, from early prototyping to end-of-production checks.
Test systems typically use highly sensitive microphones, accelerometers, and data acquisition systems – along with sophisticated software - to capture and analyze sound and vibration signals. The goal is to understand where noise originates, how it propagates through the structure of the vehicle, how it can be reduced or eliminated.
Objectionable noise can stem from numerous sources such as engines, transmissions, tires, suspension systems, HVAC systems, or even the interaction of various components under dynamic load conditions. While some noise is expected and even necessary for feedback, rattles, buzzes, or squeaks create the impression of poor quality. NVH testing quantifies undesirable sound profiles using both objective metrics (frequency, amplitude, decibel level) and subjective assessments, such as psychoacoustic testing and jury evaluations, to determine how human occupants perceive the noise.
Listen to this podcast to learn how one leading car seat manufacturer employs Signalysis test systems to eliminate unwanted noises.
One of the most powerful contributions of NVH testing is its ability to catch and eliminate issues before they reach the customer. For example, during the prototype phase, engineers may perform modal analysis to identify potential structural resonance points that could lead to rattles under certain engine speeds.
In pre-production vehicles, road simulators and acoustic chambers can replicate real-world driving conditions to detect cabin noises that may otherwise go unnoticed in standard road tests. In the manufacturing process, quality inspection test systems are used to validate that a product will conform to noise and vibration standards prior to shipment to the OEM or customer.
Signalysis’ comprehensive NVH testing solutions replace subjective assessments with objective, physics-based algorithms, ensuring consistent and reliable results. For the automotive industry, our bumper-to-bumper solutions ensure that suppliers meet the rigid quality standards of the industry and their customers.
Our test systems are powered by our proprietary SigQC™ software, providing robust and configurable solutions for various test applications.
By integrating NVH testing into the manufacturing process, automotive companies can detect and address noise issues before vehicles reach customers. This proactive approach reduces late-stage fixes, warranty claims, and enhances overall product quality. For instance, implementing end-of-line testing systems has enabled manufacturers to identify root causes of NVH issues, validate specifications, and minimize production cycle impacts.
NVH testing is vital for delivering vehicles that meet modern standards of comfort and quality. By leveraging advanced testing systems and methodologies, manufacturers can effectively eliminate objectionable noises, ensuring a superior driving experience and fostering customer loyalty.
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