The relative importance of tire noise to overall vehicle noise is established. A general description is then given of the tire engineering process and of tire structures. The important parameters influencing tire noise are discussed, based on presently available data, followed by an identification of unknown and contradictory areas. The basic mechanisms of tire-noise generation, although not well understood, are investigated largely from a theoretical viewpoint. Areas for future research and development are identified based on gaps in the existing physical data base and a rather primitive level of understanding of noise-generating mechanisms.
The Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc. (SAE) Truck Tire Noise Subcommittee conducted a series of truck tire noise tests at the Automotive Proving Grounds, Inc. in Pecos, Texas, November 5-7, 1973. At the request of DOT, NBS participated in these tests and made simultaneous measurements with those made by the SAE committee. This report presents a summary of the results obtained during these tests.
The noise from tires predominate over engine/exhaust noise at moderate to high speeds provided the truck is equipped with an adequate muffler and is in a good state of repair. The noise generation characteristics of typical truck tires were measured during an extensive field investigation. The data were frequency analyzed in one-third octave bands and the A-weighted sound level was calculated from these data. Measurement and analysis techniques leading to the acquisition of these data will be discussed. Similarities and differences in the data among the various tread designs and the establishment of data trends associated with changes in speed, load, tread depth, or pavement surface will be discussed. Three-dimensional plots of sound-pressure level versus frequency and time clearly indicating the doppler shift effect will be presented. Equal sound-level contour plots of the data show major lobes to the front and rear of the truck as well as to the side. These spectral and directionality data will supplement existing data on total vehicle noise and serve as a basis for the prediction of noise levels in nearby communities at various distances from present and proposed highways.
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