Implementation of an acoustic camera in a semi-anechoic chassis dynamometer

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About the thesis work

One of the most common measurements within the automotive industry is the pass-by noise measurement. This is how the legal requirements are stated under precisely defined conditions and how the vehicles are certified and checked with respect to noise emission.
Traditionally a test object moves down a physical test track passing a single set of microphones. In the semi-anechoic test facility in Volvo Lundby this pass-by event is instead simulated from a stationary vehicle and an array of microphones.
Having a stationary vehicle on a chassis dynamometer and a controlled environment provides the possibility to use the setup not only for validation but for finely tuned development within NVH. It goes without saying that a stationary test object and the current array of microphones, one meter apart each other, on each side of the truck has many benefits compared to a moving test object and a single pair of microphones. Among them are constant source to receiver geometry and possibilities to study source directivity. When it comes to source localization there are still additional methods to be explored, such as using the microphone array as 1- dimensional acoustic camera.
The acoustic camera opens the possibility to visualize sound radiation and make targeted investigations accordingly. Sometimes also to help distinguish source mechanism, which is often known, from radiating surface.

This thesis work aims to investigate and implement a beam forming, or other, algorithm into a one-dimensional acoustic camera out of the existing equipment in the facility. The long-term goal is to include the functionality as a standard tool of investigation in the test cell. As a first step, time data from the microphones could be exported and further analysed in MATLAB or Python. Moreover, the possibilities and limitations of this approach needs to be explored and defined, for example frequency range with regards to spatial separation of transducers, sensitivity to inaccuracies in amplitude and phase and positioning of microphones and more. 
The Master of Science Thesis work will be performed at Volvo Group Trucks Technology, (Gothenburg, Sweden)
(60 ECTS credits, 40 weeks, One student) / (30 ECTS credits, 20 weeks, Two students)

Who are you?

Are you ready to kickstart your career with one of the most innovative and renowned automotive companies in the world? We are seeking one or two Master's students with a background in mechanical, applied physics, electrical engineering, or from the 'sound and vibration' program. We highly encourage students from different educational programs to apply, as we believe that diverse perspectives can lead to better synergy within our team. 
We also believe that you have/are:

•    Knowledge in MATLAB or Python
•    Good knowledge in signal processing
•    Good hands-on capability and knowledge in measurement technique


Ready for the next move?

If you want to make a real impact in your future career, the transportation business is where you want to be. 
Industry supervisors: Tor Möller and Frédéric Wullens at Volvo GTT
tor.moller@volvo.com | frederic.wullens@consultant.volvo.com
University supervisors: TBD



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