An energy-based framework for predicting vehicle noise source intensity: From energy consumption to noise

The vehicle noise source strength prediction model is a crucial component in the field of traffic noise prediction. Despite the establishment of noise source strength localized models in various countries, the theoretical underpinnings of the sound power level models within these frameworks remains unclear. This study addresses this gap by analyzing the correlation between vehicle noise and energy consumption. An energy-based source strength model framework (E-SSIM) is proposed, focusing on developing nonlinear models for basic noise level. E-SSIM is built on acoustical principles and the energy flow of vehicles, integrating noise and energy consumption through the application of multivariate regression theory, characterized by a transient or simplified mathematical framework. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis and road experiments are conducted to validate the proposed framework. The findings reveal that E-SSIM effectively integrates vehicle energy flow and principles of acoustics, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the logarithmic mathematical structure in classical noise source strength models. The study reveals that in low-speed driving conditions (17-40 km/h), the sensitivity of noise energy to aerodynamic drag energy consumption reaches its peak. Specifically, the sensitivity of E-SSIM, as assessed by the A-weighted sound level, progressively decreases with increasing speed. On the contrary, for the Z-weighted sound level, the sensitivity initially decreases before rising again, reaching its peak stability and robustness at a speed of 23.8 km/h. E-SSIM exhibits superior precision in predicting A/Z-weighted sound pressure levels. Compared to classic logarithmic structural prediction models, the mean absolute percentage error of E-SSIM was reduced by 4.19% and 0.07%. Compared to typical models such as ASJ developed by the Acoustical Society of Japan and CNOSSOS-EU used by the European Commission, E-SSIM yielded a mean absolute percentage error reduction of 68% and 67%. Interestingly, as vehicle internal energy consumption increases, the prediction deviations of E-SSIM, ASJ, and CNOSSOS-EU gradually decrease, possibly because vehicle operating conditions approach stability. E-SSIM can utilize abundant vehicle data to develop generic models, promoting the advancement of noise prediction.