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My first car, a 1991 subcompact, served me well as I entered my junior year of high school in 1998.
It was, however, noisy.
Everything about the car was loud, especially on the highway. Opening the sun roof was maddening. Not only did the wind noise increase but the gears that moved the sunroof sounded like spoons being eaten by a garbage disposal.
Memories.
Automakers have since developed techniques to better keep vehicles quiet. From aerodynamic designs and sound deadening materials, to active noise cancellation and intelligent suspensions, sometimes it’s about what we don’t experience behind the wheel.
The NVH Effect
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, sometimes called NVH, is a common automotive industry term. The less of these elements a driver experiences, the better. This aspect is so important to Ford Motor Company, they have designed the world?s first, fully mobile aeroacoustic wind tunnel. The unique, patent-pending concept detects wind noise in production vehicles more precisely so a correction can be implemented. The corrections then lead to quieter, more comfortable vehicle. “This project was born from a desire to be the best when it comes to controlling and limiting the cabin noise customers are so sensitive to,” said Bill Gulker, Ford Wind Noise Core Supervisor. ”
Engineers simulate wind speed with the mobile wind tunnel. Photo: Ford Motor Company
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