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Watch Ford test the Escape for NVH issues in a portable chamber

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Crossover, Ford

All automakers test for noise, vibration and harshness (or NVH) during the development of new vehicles, but Ford Motor Company uses a portable "environmental chamber" that it can take to a specific plant to pull production vehicles from the assembly line for testing. In the case of this video, the portable machine was at Louisville Assembly Plant to test the 2013 Ford Escape during its early launch, but Ford also sent one to Mexico during the early build of the new Ford Fusion.

These mobile testing facilities are housed inside of semi trailers, and in addition to having four posts that can be positioned under each wheel to simulate driving over various roads, the chambers can also vary in temperature from 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. All of this can be changed and controlled using computers. During the tests, technicians and engineers sit inside the vehicle and listen for any squeaks or rattles. The benefit of having such a device on hand rather than sending the car to Dearborn is that problems can be detected earlier and resolved sooner.

Check out the video below to see how Ford's mobile quality control system works.

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Watch Ford test the Escape for NVH issues in a portable chamber originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automakers sound off on unwanted noise

Paul Eisenstein — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

How New Cars Are Getting Better Through Sound Engineering

"The loudest sound you ever hear is the first rattle in a new car."

Fire up the new Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 and you're greeted with the sort of raucous exhaust note that would make a Harley-Davison owner quiver with delight. Slip inside a Lexus LS460 and it'll be nearly as quiet as a tomb.

While features like design and performance help define a brand, few things distinguish a product's character like sound. So, it's no surprise that manufacturers are putting more effort than effort into managing vehicle sound characteristics.

But, "It's not just about how loud a car is," suggests Kara Gordon, who oversaw noise-related work on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. "The quality of the sound also matters. And even little things can have a big impact on your perception of a vehicle," she says, suggesting, "The loudest sound you ever hear is the first rattle in a new car."

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading Automakers sound off on unwanted noise

Automakers sound off on unwanted noise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Silent electric vehicles to cause new problems for NVH engineers?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Renault, Electric

A researcher at Renault said customers surveyed last year about what they want in an electric car responded, "silence, peace of mind and comfortable riding, a windy sound quality, a fluid driving experience like a skipper enjoying a sailboat." That sounds dreamy, until you realize how loud a car really is underneath all of the regular drivetrain noises we've come to expect from an ICE-powered ride. For instance, when we drove the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe two years ago, we heard nothing - and that's absolutely nothing - of the world outside, but that meant we could hear the windshield wiper motors mounted on the bulkhead.

Electric cars are going to bring many more and much greater challenges than that, and engineers are beginning to discuss how to overcome them. The noise, vibration and harshness culprits in an electric vehicle include battery cooling systems, HVAC fans and ducts, coils for the power electronics, and switching on range-extending engines on vehicles so-equipped. These are the kinds of noises covered up easily by engine and other low-frequency noises, but in an electric car, they can make one feel strapped into a curious contraption.

Of course, there is also the question of what to do for others who depend on the sounds of cars, such as blind pedestrians and cyclists. Sound engineering is the most talked about approach right now, but no one knows what shape this will take. Lotus Engineering created a Safe & Sound system that used a waterproof speaker to emit an make engine noise - but wasn't part of the promise of electric cars meant to be quieter cities? It's all still to play for when it comes to the future of NVH, but please please, no ringtones...

[Source: Ward's Auto | Image: Lotus Engineering]

Silent electric vehicles to cause new problems for NVH engineers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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