Noise and Vibration Control in Automotive Bodies

6Wind Noise

6.1 Introduction

6.1.1 Problems Induced by Wind Noise

At low speed, the vehicle interior noise is dominated by the noise generated by engine and related systems such as intake system, exhaust system, etc. With vehicle speed increase, road noise increases, and could dominate the interior noise at middle speed, such as from 50 to 80 km h⁻¹, especially on rough road. At high speed, such as over 100 km h⁻¹, the wind noise gradually becomes prominent, and even could mask the engine noise and the road noise. Figure 6.1 shows the relationship between vehicle speed and engine noise, road noise, and wind noise.

Figure 6.1 Relationship between vehicle speed and engine noise, road noise, and wind noise.

In recent years, with noise control technology development of the engine, intake, exhaust, tire and suspension, transfer paths, etc. these traditional noise sources are greatly suppressed, which pushes wind noise in the forefront of major noise sources. Wind noise has become one of the top complaint issues by the customers.

Wind noise, or aerodynamic noise, is induced by interaction between a moving vehicle and the airflow. Wind noise could provide passengers with the impression that doors or windows are not perfectly closed or leakages exist on the body. Loud wind noise could influence conversation between passengers; even to the point that they cannot clearly hear each ...