SwRI: Acoustic Evaluation and Analysis, modeling analysis, experimental methods, and noise control

	SwRI engineers use sound intensity measurements for sound source ranking and noise reduction of office equipment.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) provides acoustic evaluations and analyses for a broad range of commercial and government clients. Acoustic evaluation facilities include a large, hemi-anechoic chamber that can accommodate equipment ranging from small electronic components to vehicles. Portable data acquisition equipment and transducers are also available to acquire in-situ noise and vibration measurements at client locations as well as pass-by noise testing.

SwRI engineers have expertise in both analytical and experimental techniques, and can effectively incorporate the two to solve a broad range of acoustic problems. Specific capabilities include:

Acoustic Analytical Modeling

• Structural dynamic finite element modeling

• Boundary element acoustic radiation prediction

• Sound propagation prediction

  	SwRI uses empirical noise source ranking, transmission path identification, vibroacoustic analyses, and sound quality evaluations to develop cost-efficient noise control measures for vehicle systems.

Experimental Methods

• In-service noise ranking and path identification

• Sound pressure and power evaluations

• Sound intensity measurements

• Sound quality analysis

• Acoustic imaging

• Structural impedance measurements

• Component coupling predictions

• Pass-by and interior noise

• In-ear noise measurements

Standardized Evaluations

SwRI has performed noise evaluations to the following standards for a broad range of clients:

• Telecommunication (Telcordia GR-63-CORE, ETSI 300 753, ISO7779, ATIS-0600005.2006, ANSI 51.10, etc.)

• Sound power (ISO 3744, ANSI 512.54, etc.)

• Vehicle/machinery (ISO 11201, 6395, 6396; EN 12053; SAE J366; ASME B56.11.5)

• Military (MIL-STD-1474)

  	A tractor undergoes noise testing in an SwRI chamber to identify major noise sources and paths of propagation.

Noise Control

• Noise barriers and absorbing materials

• Vibration isolation and panel-damping treatments

• Absorptive materials

• Active noise and vibration control

• Noise source identification and ranking

For more information about acoustic evaluation and analysis capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Paul Till at ptill@swri.org or (210) 522-3554.