The sound quality of vehicle interior noise: a challenge for the nvh-engineers

TLDR: In this article, the authors present a survey of tools available to measure, analyse and describe sound quality on the one hand and how to improve it on the other hand, for the acoustical engineer it becomes important to know what kind of tools are available for measuring, analysing and describing sound quality.

Abstract: The sound quality of vehicle interior noise has become a very important task for the acoustic engineers since more than 20 years. As vehicles become more and more quiet, the customer's sensitiveness for the acoustical comfort increases. On the one hand, no disturbing noises should be heard and on the other hand, the perceived sound quality, for example from the powertrain, should fulfill the expectations of the listener with respect to the sound design. The development of a good sound quality is in conflict with other targets. The development time of a new car has to be reduced and the production costs have to be lower, the total weight of the car should not increase - without any negative influence on the sound quality. For the acoustical engineer it becomes important to know what kind of tools are available to measure, to analyse and to describe sound quality on the one hand and how to improve it on the other hand.