A Coupled Structural-Acoustic Finite Element Model for Vehicle Interior Noise Analysis

An analytical method is developed for predicting vehicle interior noise and identifying noise sources. In this method, the finite element models representing the vehicle structure and its enclosed acoustic cavity are coupled mathematically. A modal formulation is employed to solve for the interior acoustic response, and an analysis is developed to identify the structural and acoustic modal participation as well as the boundary panel participation in producing the response. As an example application, a coupled model of an automotive vehicle is presented and experimentally evaluated. The modal and panel participations are identified from the results.