A Three-Dimensional Numerical Investigation of Air Pumping Noise Generation in Tires

Abstract

Tire noise reduction is an important aspect of overall vehicle noise reduction. However, due to the complex nature of tire noise generation and correlation between various generation mechanisms, it is difficult to isolate, predict, and control tire noise. Air-related noise generation mechanisms in tires are tough to predict experimentally, resulting in the need for an accurate numerical model. Computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) is used here to propose a numerical tool capable of predicting air-pumping noise generation. Slot deformations are prescribed by custom functions instead of using structural solvers and the rotation of tire is represented by using mesh motion and deformation techniques. Near-field and far-field acoustic characteristics are predicted using fluid dynamic equations and acoustic models. The use of various spectral analysis tools show that the proposed model is capable of predicting the high frequency air-pumping noise while also predicting other air-related mechanisms such as pipe resonance, Helmholtz resonance, and rotational turbulence. This study is intended to provide an understanding of the various air-related noise generation mechanisms so that numerical models can be used in the future to predict tire acoustics economically and effectively.

Neural networks assisted computational aero-acoustic analysis of an isolated tire

“…In the recent years, the trend in simulation-based experimentation is increasing due to the confidence shown by the research community and different regulation authorities. 4–10 The simulation-based results are commonly very close to the results obtained by experimentation. 5–8 This research work presents aero-acoustic analysis of 392 computer-simulated tire models.…”

“…4–10 The simulation-based results are commonly very close to the results obtained by experimentation. 5–8 This research work presents aero-acoustic analysis of 392 computer-simulated tire models. The computer simulations are used due to the large number of experimental configurations required to thoroughly study the effect of design variables and operational variables on the aero-acoustic noise of the isolated tire model and due to the difficulty level in obtaining the accurate isolated aero-acoustic noise in an experimental setup.…”

“…The response of majority of the cases discussed exhibits reduction in emitted A-weighted SPL as the frequency of emitted sound increases from 2000 to 10,000 Hz. 6,58 However, a select but sizable group of experiments exhibits significantly higher values of sound pressure level (dBA) and a constantly increasing trend along the increasing frequencies of sound emission. Similarly, W2 and W3 which are placed progressively away from W1 in the wake of tire exhibits initially two and then three distinct bands of A-weighted SPL emitted (see Figure 7(b) and (c)).…”

“…The receiver positions (in meters) selected in the simulation are on the basis of previous literature. 6 …”

“…Once the receivers are selected solution is run at time step size of 5 × 10 5 which results in the maximum sampling frequency of 10 kHz. 6 The acoustic pressure obtained at the receivers is converted into the A-weighted SPL at 1/3 octave band frequency using the fast Fourier transform.…”