NOISE & VIBRATION

MGA offers customers numerous solutions for investigating noise and vibration issues. Test options range from full scale approaches utilizing a Proving Grounds, to in-lab solutions in which test articles are functioned under normal use conditions or exposed to a vibratory environment in a sound chamber. Concerning noise and vibration issues, MGA has a staff of experts specializing in many types of procedures ranging from full vehicle evaluations to OEM specified component level tests.

Test Development

Perhaps one of the most important issues in evaluating noise issues (or commonly referred to as squeak and rattle) is the development of what type of test to utilize. Noise issues from an automotive standpoint are more of a consumer image and quality issue, and not a regulatory one. With this being the case, numerous approaches are used by the industry in evaluating noise issues. For some OEM’s, clearly defined specifications for all components in an interior are used, while others approach the issue using a much less formalized and more subjective approach. Regardless, a number of issues must be considered when developing a sound approach for tackling squeak and rattle issues in the test lab. These issues include:

Full vehicle or component level evaluation?

Is test criteria objective or subjective?
If criteria is objective, how are the measurements made in regard to distance from object, maximum sound level (sones or decibels), etc.?
If criteria is subjective, what is the rating scale?
If an in-lab evaluation component evaluation, how is the part to be fixtured?
What is maximum allowable background noise level?

Types of Evaluations

There are many tools available at MGA to evaluate noise related issues. On a full vehicle level, the MGA Proving Grounds have a number of specialized surfaces designed to excite the vehicle during driving. For this type of evaluation, passengers in the vehicle will subjectively evaluate the noises based on a number of properties. From an in-lab perspective, MGA offers numerous solutions, including:

Vertical, Lateral, or Fore-Aft excitation of a component with an ultra-quiet MB Dynamics shaker in a semi-anechoic sound chamber

Multi-Axis Simulation Table (MAST) with 6 Degree of Freedom (DOF) excitation within a semi-anechoic sound chamber
Four Post Simulator for full vehicle excitation
Precise sound recording, processing and analysis of a component within a sound chamber using Head Acoustics Artemis Analyzer

Facilities and Personnel

MGA offers various industries most comprehensive set of solutions related to noise and vibration. Facilities include full scale approaches with a Proving Grounds to various in lab solutions in which objective sound recordings can be made. The experts in MGA's staff are well known through out the automotive industry. With this array of expertise, experience, and equipment, MGA is well suited to tackle any squeak and rattle issues.