NVH test and measurement
NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) measurement techniques are primarily used in the automotive, aerospace, and other manufacturing industries to evaluate and analyze noise, vibrations, and product comfort. These tests provide essential insights into performance, allowing for an understanding of how noise and vibrations impact safety, comfort, and user experience. Crucial for ensuring that products meet high-quality standards, NVH measurements are an integral part of the design and production process across various industries.
Key Components
NOISE
Noise refers to unwanted or undesirable sounds that can originate from various sources, such as engines, air intake, exhaust, tires, and wind.
VIBRATION
Vibration is the oscillation or shaking that can occur in mechanical components and systems, potentially causing discomfort, fatigue, or even damage over time. Vibration testing focuses on identifying and analyzing the frequencies and amplitudes of vibrations that could impact features and/or performance.
HARSHNESS
Comfort refers to the subjective perception of a product's overall quality, particularly based on how vibrations and noise affect the user experience. For example, in vehicles, comfort can influence ride quality and overall satisfaction.
Benefits
Improved product quality
By identifying and mitigating excessive noise and vibrations, manufacturers can improve the overall quality and user experience of their products.
Enhanced comfort and safety
In vehicles, reducing unwanted noise and vibrations improves cabin comfort and reduces driver fatigue.
Cost Efficiency
Early detection of NVH issues during the design and development stages can optimize product development, avoiding the need for costly post-production modifications.
Compliance with regulations
Many industries have strict regulations on acoustic emissions, and NVH testing helps companies comply with these standards.
Common Techniques and Transducers
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Used to measure vibrations at various points of the product. They help identify vibration sources and indirectly noise sources, as well as identify their frequency and amplitude.
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Used to measure noise levels, particularly in vehicle cabins or near machinery. It is possible to measure sound pressure levels and/or sound power to identify the contributions of sound sources and assess the perceived sound quality.
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Excitation systems that simulate vibrations (induced or generated) to evaluate the behavior of products under specific conditions. They are often used to test components and systems, both to characterize their dynamic response and to subject them to vibratory stresses for durability testing.
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Data acquisition and analysis tools for dynamic signals that are capable of measuring the characteristics of complex processes such as noise and vibrations, calculating metrics in both the time and frequency domains.
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Complementary to tests on real components and systems, FEA simulations help predict the NVH behavior of a product in virtual environments, reducing the need for extensive physical prototypes.
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Techniques used to map the deformation of a structure to identify vibration sources. It is particularly useful for determining areas of interest in complex structures such as transportation system structures, civil engineering structures, and industrial machinery.
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Methods for objective assessment of sound perception. Essential for understanding how noise and vibrations influence the listening experience and the perception of quality.
Reference Products
NVA - Noise Vibration Anaylzer
The reference tool for studying dynamic signals.
NVT - Noise Vibration Tester
Multi-Purpose Measurement Software for Acoustic and Vibration Phenomenon Analysis
NVT-HMS - Health Monitoring System
Integrated System for Vibration and Dynamic Parameter Monitoring
Applications
Ensure that machinery and equipment operate smoothly without excessive noise or vibrations that could cause mechanical failures or discomfort to the operator.
Automotive and Transports
Ensure that vehicles meet customer expectations in terms of comfort and noise control. This includes testing drivetrain components, road noise, and vibrations from suspension and structural systems.
Evaluation of noise and vibrations in common devices such as computers, washing machines, power tools, and audio reproduction systems.
Essential methods for aircraft, as they help ensure comfort and safety by minimizing noise from both the propulsion components and vibrations during flight.