SwRI: Motorcycle Technology Noise and Vibration

Illustrations of noise and vibration analyses results

Addressing noise in engine design is a complicated science and elusive art. There are many causes of noise and vibration in the engine and many evolving techniques for designing a quiet, pleasant sounding engine. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) maintains a comprehensive capability for source and signal analysis, model simulations, and structural dynamics.

SwRI has extensive experience in noise control evaluations of numerous gas and diesel powered vehicles. Our engineers evaluate pass-by or operator noise levels in order to formulate experimental programs that will lead to identification of the noise sources, the paths of propagation and acceptable control measures.

Noise assessment chambers at SwRI

Noise Assessment

• Noise testing and analysis

• Vehicle and component noise benchmarking

• Noise source identification and ranking

• Hemi-anechoic acoustic chamber

• Structural acoustic modeling capabilities

• Noise abatement design and evaluation

SwRI facilities include electrodynamic shakers for testing of vehicle components in a prescribed, harsh vibration environment for failure and fatigue assessment. Portable data acquisition systems are also available for vehicle and component vibration analysis and benchmarking.

Vibration Evaluation

• Vehicle and component vibration evaluation

• Whole body vibration for improved rider comfort

• Vehicle and component benchmarking

• Engineering support for analysis and modification

• Vibration simulation facilities

• Failure and fatigue assessment

  	Because of the special requirements around the rider and the energy transmitted to the rider's body, SwRI emphasizes noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) issues.

Material and Component Analysis

The SwRI Materials Engineering Department, composed of about 55 staff members including approximately 30 scientists and engineers, has both a

broad and deep scope. Unifying themes are life enhancement and lifetime assessment of engineered structures and components. 

The Materials Chemistry Section focuses on solving client materials problems

through bulk and surface modification, process enhancement, failure analyses and microstructural assessment, and new material development, coupled with specialized testing, characterization, and design of materials. 

	Specialized facilities are available for evaluations that utilize state-of-the-art materials characterization such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fiber optic probes, coupled with Raman and IR spectrometers.

The Materials Integrity Section performs research and development in the deformation, damage, and fracture of engineering materials with a special emphasis on the integrity of engineering components and structures. 

The Mechanics and Materials Section focuses on structural integrity and reliability assessments. These assessments are achieved through combined experimental-analytical/numerical approaches designed to characterize the fundamental mechanical behavior of materials to predict their performance and risk of failure.

At SwRI, we are always striving to offer the best services possible to our clients. This motorcycle technology information represents only a small portion of how SwRI can assist your company with motorcycle testing, research, and development.

For a more comprehensive review of our capabilities or information about how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Suzanne Timmons, at satimmons@swri.org or (210) 522-2499 to arrange a tour of our complete facilities. We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.