Acoustic transfer functions for tire/road noise prediction through equivalent monopole sources: Numerical modelling and experimental validation

Previous research has shown that tire noise can be modelled through equivalent monopoles and acoustic transfer functions (ATFs). In this study, the numerical modelling of ATFs and their use for the prediction of tire/road noise is investigated as an alternative to ATFs derived from experimental measurements, aiming to reduce the experimental effort required during testing campaigns. Numerical models are developed to reproduce the acoustic characteristics of the environments where tire/road noise tests are conducted, both indoor and outdoor. To assess the reliability of the simulations in representing the actual acoustic propagation conditions, the computed ATFs are validated against experimental measurements. The numerical transfer functions are then employed for the synthesis of equivalent monopoles and for the prediction of coast-by noise levels. The predicted results are finally compared with experimental coast-by data to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed approach.