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Vehicle noise and the passenger
M E Bryan1, W Tempest, D Williams
1Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Salford, UK.
Applied Ergonomics
|September 1, 1978
Summary
Vehicle noise levels are unacceptably high for passengers. This study investigates subjective responses to in-vehicle noise, highlighting the need for new comfort criteria, especially concerning low frequencies.
Area of Science:
- Automotive Engineering
- Acoustics
- Human Factors
Background:
- Limited research exists on the interior noise climate of passenger vehicles.
- Current noise levels in cars and heavy goods vehicles exceed passenger comfort thresholds at typical speeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subjective response to noise within motor vehicles.
- To establish acceptable noise level criteria for passenger vehicles.
- To understand the impact of low frequencies on in-vehicle comfort.
Main Methods:
- Conducted research on subjective responses to vehicle noise both on-road and in laboratory settings.
- Analyzed the influence of very low frequencies on passenger comfort.
- Identified challenges in accurately replicating in-vehicle acoustic environments in laboratories.
Main Results:
- Vehicle interior noise levels are often unacceptable for passengers during normal driving.
- Very low frequencies significantly impact perceived comfort levels inside vehicles.
- Reproducing realistic in-vehicle noise conditions in a lab setting presents considerable difficulties.
Conclusions:
- There is a lack of established criteria for acceptable noise levels in passenger vehicles.
- A tentative criterion for acceptable noise levels has been proposed.
- Further research is needed to develop a more precise measure of subjective noise rating in vehicles.