There are many reasons to measure and analyze noise. It may relate to legislation or regulations that limit noise in certain environments, we could be using the noise to investigate a related issue or maybe simply improving the noise of a vehicle or other product.
Prosig are experts in measuring and analyzing noise. Follow the links below to find out about a few of the basics of measuring noise and read about some practical, real world examples of noise analysis.
First, let us consider a few theoretical aspects of the measurement and analysis process…
What Are dB, Noise Floor & Dynamic Range? by James Wren
Most engineers are probably familiar with the decibel (or dB) as a unit of measurement. Its most common use is in the field of acoustics. However, as will be explained in this article, it is also useful for a wide variety of measurements such as electronics and communications. read more
A, B & C Weighting by Dr Colin Mercer
Some devices, particularly digital tape recorders, apply A-weighting to all their data in order to achieve acceptable data compression. This is fine unless you want to analyse the unweighted data or apply a different weighting factor. read more
Interpretation of the Articulation Index by Dr Colin Mercer
The Articulation Index or AI gives a measure of the intelligibility of hearing speech in a given noise environment. The metric was originally developed in 1949 in order to give a single value that categorised the speech intelligibility of a communication system. read more
What is the difference between microphone types? by James Wren
We are often asked what is the difference between free field microphones, diffuse field microphones and pressure microphones. For a run-of-the-mill ½ inch microphone the short answer is nothing. read more
Why is the microphone pressure reference 2*10-5 Pascals? by Dr Colin Mercer
This seemingly simple question is actually quite fundamental. To answer the question we need to consider sound intensity. read more
Now we will look at some more practical examples of how we measure and analyze noise…
A Simple Engine Noise Test by James Wren
A simple noise test carried out on a Formula Ford racing car read more
How To Analyze Noise & Vibration In Rotating Machines by Chris Mason
In this article we will look at the basic steps behind a simple rotating machinery study. After reading this article you may be interested in the accompanying video –Video: Noise & Vibration From Rotating Machines – which shows the analysis steps in more detail read more
Measuring Exhaust Noise by James Wren
The following note describes the refinement of an automotive exhaust muffler design for a major after-market exhaust manufacturer in Europe. read more
Analysing Noise From a Power Steering Pump by Dr Colin Mercer
The requirement was to develop a ‘standard’ test for assessing the sound quality of power steering pumps in vehicles. Measurements needed to be objective so that the method would be suitable for evaluating dissimilar vehicles and different types of pump. read more
Do You Need To Measure Brake Noise? by Chris Mason
The objective of the brake noise tests was to record the braking events of cars being driven on various types of road and classify those events according to their type (Groan, Creep or Squeal etc) and severity. read more
Developing an Algorithm for Detecting Ticking Noise by Adrian Lincoln
An investigation was made of a sample of automotive components where some were exhibiting a high frequency “tick” or rattle during each operating cycle. read more
Latest posts by Chris Mason (see all)
- Rotating Machinery Vibration Analysis: Keeping Your Machines Humming Along - November 27, 2023
- Vibration Control and Isolation: A Comprehensive Guide for Engineers - November 6, 2023
- Modal Analysis in the Real World - October 6, 2023
