Research and Development

Vehicle Acoustics
Individual sound packages for optimum vehicle noise protection

The acoustics experts at Autoneum develop, produce and test innovative acoustics solutions tailored to individual customer requirements for the entire vehicle – engine bay, underbody and interior floor.

Autoneum operates a worldwide network of state-of-the-art acoustics centers and material testing laboratories equipped with specially developed measurement systems. Thanks to its international presence, customers of Autoneum can rely on the professional support of a global team of acoustics experts in all project phases – ideal conditions for successful long-term cooperation!

Autoneum supports its customers in both pre-development and in the development of sound packages based on simulation and testing with its comprehensive and in-depth know-how in vehicle acoustics.

Pre-development

Before the start of vehicle development itself, Autoneum carries out a global NVH benchmarking (noise, vibration, harshness) in which the market requirements and current industry standards are analyzed. This procedure enables the customer to be supported at an early stage in the positioning and performance assessment of a new vehicle in the market. Together with the customer the specific requirements concerning the individual materials and vehicle components are defined to put together an individually tailored sound package after the NVH benchmarking.

With the rise of electric mobility, numerous new requirements are emerging for NVH development. For example, in the absence of engine noise in electric vehicles, more attention is drawn to sound sources that are new or were previously drowned out, such as fans and pumps or electronic drive components.

Autoneum regularly carries out detailed vehicle and component studies for new electric vehicles in cooperation with the benchmarking platform A2Mac1. To learn more about it, contact us at benchmarking@autoneum.com.

Simulation and Testing

In the development phase Autoneum falls back on tried-and-tested simulation methods for the design of sound packages. These enable customers to lower development and product costs significantly. The use of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and a broad-based material database lead to the following benefits for customers:

  • Early identification of potential problem areas
  • Shortening of lead times
  • Reduction in the number of required prototypes

Thermal Management
Tailored engineering tools and products for automotive thermal management systems

From enhancing driver comfort to lowering emissions as well as fuel and energy consumption to increasing driving range: With these ambitious goals in mind, Autoneum’s thermal management experts are developing engineering solutions and products tailored to the requirements of both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles.

Lightweight automobile components used for thermal management not only provide heat protection, but also ensure the best possible temperature conditions for battery systems: In addition to the battery lifespan, this also improves the overall driving range of electric vehicles. Furthermore, a comprehensive management of vehicle temperature also positively impacts thermal comfort in the passenger compartment.

At Autoneum’s thermal testing facilities worldwide, expert knowledge and commercial simulation software are combined with unique engineering tools and innovative components developed in-house in order to answer to specific customer needs.

Autoneum supports its customers with a range of Thermal Management Systems for:

  • Improved energy efficiency and battery performance through optimized design of battery cooling plate and under battery shields

  • Thermal comfort in the passenger compartment thanks to passive solutions such as interior trim panels and carpets as well as active solutions such as heated surfaces

  • Heat protection with heatshields, engine covers and underbody systems

  • Heat storage in the engine bay with engine- and vehicle-mounted engine encapsulations

Brochure Thermal Management (0.7 MB) | PDF

Network
Innovation through Global Development

Innovations are a decisive success factor for Autoneum and therefore count among the company’s six strategic priorities. Autoneum is the innovative leader in acoustic and thermal management solutions for vehicles and sets industry standards with the development of multifunctional noise and heat protection products and specialized measurement systems. At the R&T Center in Winterthur, Switzerland, technological future concepts are implemented within the scope of predevelopment. Furthermore, proximity to the customer and the market is safeguarded with twelve decentralized acoustics and development centers in France, Germany, Poland, Switzerland and the USA as well as in China and Brazil. While simulations and tests are conducted under real-life conditions at the acoustics centers, the development centers focus on individual solutions and products for vehicle models.

Worldwide Locations

Simulation
Innovative software for optimizing NVH, structural and thermal performances

In order to support customers already in the design phase of new models and in the further development of existing vehicles, Autoneum uses a broad spectrum of internally developed simulation software programs. These programs combine Autoneum’s in-depth expertise with the individual requirements of the vehicle manufacturers.

With the help of this software, Autoneum predicts and optimizes the NVH performance (noise, vibration, harshness) of vehicles and in doing so makes a decisive contribution towards their noise reduction. For example, Autoneum has developed the GOLD simulation software for the needs-based deployment of damping materials in the vehicle. It not only optimizes the size, weight and quality of damping materials but additionally illustrates the optimal positioning of these components in the vehicle. This enables the best possible combination of damping materials and body panels to be achieved.

The high-performance REVAMP and VisualSISAB software programs are used for the analysis, optimization and validation of the isolation and insulation properties of components for the vehicle interior floor. These components include carpet systems as well as bulkhead, wheelhouse and floor insulators. The aim is to achieve the perfect balance between acoustic performance and product weight. This enables Autoneum to make a significant contribution towards further improving the interior acoustics and reducing the weight of vehicles.

The simulation software programs developed by Autoneum are also used for the calculation and subsequent enhancement of the thermal insulation properties of components for the engine bay and the execution and analysis of material fatigue tests.

For further information, please contact us at simulation@autoneum.com.

Media Release »

Brochure Simulation Tools (1 MB) | PDF

Measurement Systems
Top of the range technologies that are easy to operate

Autoneum has been the leading supplier of specialized measurement systems for automotive acoustics for 50 years. Moreover, the company is continuously developing innovative systems and equipment to measure the NVH performance (noise, vibration, harshness) of component and material properties. The measurement systems of Autoneum can be used to assess and compare noise-reducing components and systems in next to no time. This facilitates the compilation of sound packages for vehicle manufacturers while at the same time ensuring that the customer receives a product that is optimally tailored to his needs. Autoneum’s highly specialized measurement systems have become globally recognized industry standards that are successfully used by both vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.

For further information, please contact us at ms-sales@autoneum.com.

Media Release »

Brochure Measurement Systems (0.9 MB) | PDF

The benefits of the Measurement Systems at a glance:

  • Accurate, reliable and immediate measurements
  • Facilitated development and enhancement of vehicle-specific sound packages
  • Applications tailored to customer needs
  • Simple and intuitive operation thanks to user-friendly software
  • Technology standard recognized throughout the industry that is used by vehicle manufacturers and suppliers

AFR
Measuring the Airflow Resistance of Porous Materials

The AFR (Airflow Resistance Measurement) system was designed to measure the airflow resistance of porous materials in an easy way without compromising in terms of measurement quality. The measurement results of the AFR system comply with ISO standard 9053:1991.

The AFR system offers:

  • An extremely robust, stable, durable and high-quality construction
  • Easy and intuitive operation also for non-experts
  • Measurement of thin materials (fabrics or non-wovens) thanks to a special sample holder
  • Rapid and easy fixation of measurement samples
  • Easy transportation

Technical specifications:

Overall dimensions: 0.6 x 0.6 x 1.24 m (L x W x H)
Sample diameter: 100 mm
Airflow Source: Vacuum pump or compressed air
Standards: ISO standard 9053:1991, method A (direct airflow method)

Alpha Cabin
A Global Standard for Acoustic Absorption Measurements

The Alpha Cabin has been especially designed for the measurement of acoustic absorption properties of materials and components used for the noise insulation of vehicles. The Alpha Cabin is significantly smaller than normal reverberation rooms and therefore ideally suited to use within limited space capacities. The acoustic absorption of the Alpha Cabin itself is also very low: Thanks to the high level of sound insulation, background noise in the frequency range of interest is kept to a minimum.

Media Release »

The Alpha Cabin offers:

  • Development of enhanced sound packages and new materials and components for vehicles
  • System recognized throughout the industry that is used by both vehicle manufacturers and suppliers
  • Measurement results enable specifications for the absorption properties of NVH products (noise, vibration, harshness) to be drawn up
  • Fast and easy measurement procedure thanks to user-friendly software
  • Also ideal as a quality control system
  • Easy transportation thanks to comparatively small size
  • Can also be used in combination with Isokell to measure sound insulation

Technical specifications:

Overall dimensions: 3.22 x 2.37 x 2.03 m (L x W x H)
Volume: 6.44 m³
Sample surface area: 1.2 m²
Frequency range: 400 – 10’000 Hz
Standards: Based on ISO 354:2003

Apamat II
Testing Acoustic Treatment: A Simple Test of Effectiveness

Apamat II was designed in order to compare and classify the complex range of soundproofing solutions currently used in the automotive industry. Apamat II tests the effectiveness of noise protection components and materials in terms of noise control, noise damping and noise insulation using just one system. Apamat II simulates
structure-borne and airborne excitation of the vehicle body-in-white under normal driving conditions. This realistic driving simulation enables valid and reliable measurement results to be obtained. Furthermore, the comprehensive suppression of secondary transmission paths in Apamat II facilitates a high dynamic range, making it particularly suitable for measurements of modern, high-performance noise control components.

Apamat II offers:

  • Develop of new materials and concepts
  • Measurement of acoustic efficiency by simulating material performance in the vehicle
  • Measurement of noise control, noise damping and noise insulation using just a single system
  • Combination of structure-borne and airborne excitation
  • Quick and easy measurement
  • Extremely robust, stable and durable system

Technical specifications:

Overall dimensions: 1,740 x 1,180 x 1,865 mm (L x W x H)
Frequency range: 100 to 10,000 Hz
Accommodated sample size: 840 x 840 mm

ARTIS3
Assessment of structure-borne noise of acoustic packages

The innovative ARTIS3 system features an optimized experimental set-up for the performance assessment of structure-borne noise of acoustic packages. The dedicated software for testing, archiving and analysis makes it easy for the user to find the best solution in terms of performance, weight or cost.

ARTIS3 offers:

  • Robust evaluation of the acoustic effectiveness of a passive treatment versus structure-borne noise

  • Immediate and easy measurement process

  • Easy to transport thanks to comparatively small size

Technical specifications:

System dimensions: 920 x 920 x 1’490 mm (L x W x H)
Frequency range: 100 to 800 Hz
Sample size: 643 x 544 mm
Output: Structure-borne insertion loss

ATLAS
Measures acoustic insulation on small samples

ATLAS – short for “Airborne Transmission Loss Analysis System” – measures the acoustic insulation and transmission loss of interior components such as carpets, inner dashes and floor insulators. The system enables measurements of small samples with a diameter of no more than ten centimeters compared to the previous testing standard of around one square meter in size. This allows faster, cheaper and more environmentally-friendly transmission loss tests already in project pre-development.

Media Release »

ATLAS offers:

  • Overcomes limitations of current methods, where results may strongly depend on the sample edge conditions

  • Measures Transmission Loss (TL) of single layers and multilayers on small samples (100mm Diameter)

  • Rapid, easy and reliable data evaluation

Technical specifications:

System dimensions: 850 x 1210 x 1’240 mm (L x W x H)
Frequency range: 100 to 3000 Hz
Sample size: 100 mm diameter
Output: Normal incidence transmission loss

CARE+
Easy and Non-Destructive Airflow Resistance Measurements of Materials and Parts

The control of airflow resistance in the production of materials and components is a growing requirement in the automotive industry. CARE+ (Concentric Airflow Resistance Evaluator) is an apparatus designed to measure the airflow resistance of materials and parts. Measuring non-destructively, CARE+ is particularly applicable in the quality control of parts and materials.

CARE+ offers:

  • Non-destructive air flow resistance measurements
  • Ideal system for quality control
  • Measurements of single or multi-layer materials or parts
  • Easy transportation

Technical specifications:

Overall dimensions: 440 x 180 x 305 mm (L x W x H)
Bell overall dimensions: 145 mm
Recommended range of airflow resistances: 200 to 4’000 Ns/m3
Recommended sample thickness: less than 20 mm

Carpet Cleanability Analyzer
Objective assessment of the Carpet Cleanability

The “Carpet Cleanability Analyzer” measurement system has been developed to analyze and compare the cleanability of different carpet surfaces. Per measuring cycle, three carpet samples soiled with strongly adhering particles, such as grains of sand or wool fibers, are cleaned by a robot-guided suction arm with controlled pressure. The measurement system calculates the cleanability and dirt resistance of the respective carpet technology based on the residue on the carpet surface and the weight difference of the samples.

Media Release »

Carpet Cleanability Analyzer offers:

  • Robust, automated measuring method that works with all carpet surfaces (tufting and non-woven carpets)
  • Only one operator necessary for the measuring process
  • Repeatability of the results thanks to the robot-guided measuring process and the methodology used
  • Quantitative assessment of the carpet cleanability

Technical specifications:

System dimensions: 150 x 95 x 180 cm (L x W x H)
Number of samples: 3
Dimensions of standard sample: 180x620mm
Suction head speed: 7m/min

ELWIS
The Leading Measurement System for the Analysis of Porous Materials

ELWIS (Evaluation of Light Weight Impedance System) offers a full and rapid characterization of porous materials based on the analysis of a single sample. The ELWIS system consists of the ELWIS-A and ELWIS-S components which can be used independently from each other although both applications are needed for a complete material simulation.

ELWIS-A measures acoustic parameters that are needed to evaluate the acoustic performance of sound insulation and sound-absorbing multi-layer materials. An additional impedance tube for absorption measurements at higher frequencies is available for ELWIS-A.

ELWIS-S measures structural parameters that are needed to simulate the dynamic and acoustic behavior of sound packages in the medium to low frequency range (including the “Poisson Ratio” for foam materials).

ELWIS is very easy to operate: Thanks to its user-friendly software, the system can also be used to obtain reliable results by users with only limited experience in the characterization of porous materials.

ELWIS offers:

  • Measurement system for obtaining material parameters for the simulation of components (e.g. using SISAB or SEA software)
  • Swift comparison of performance of alternative systems or materials
  • Rapid, easy and reliable data evaluation on the basis of a single material sample
  • Supersedes large databases with material parameters for the compilation of sound packages
  • Can also be used as a quality control system
  • Adaptable to a wide range of materials and parts
  • Combination of the benefits of inverse methods with innovative data evaluation and the latest material knowledge
  • Easy-to-operate software also for non-experts

Technical specifications:

Overall dimensions: 0.85 x 2.21 x 1.24 m (L x W x H)
Accommodated sample size: ELWIS-A: 60 mm diameter
ELWIS-A additional option: 29 mm diameter
ELWIS-S: 100 mm diameter
Frequency range: ELWIS-A: 200 – 3,400 Hz
ELWIS-A additional option: 1000 – 6,300 Hz
Standards: Fulfills ASTM (E-1050) and ISO (10534-1/2)
For impedance tube measurements (measurements between 200 and 3,400 Hz or up to 6,300 Hz with the additional option)

Isokell
Precise Measurement of Airborne Noise Insulation

Isokell offers a flexible method geared specifically to the needs of the automotive industry for measuring airborne noise insulation and the transmission loss of vehicle components. The system is easier to use and less costly than traditional acoustic measurement systems.

Flyer Isokell | PDF

Isokell offers:

  • Time savings thanks to horizontal sample mounting
  • Measurement of flat samples or components
  • Fast and easy measurement procedure thanks to user-friendly software
  • Easy transportation thanks to reduced size

  • Used in combination with Alpha Cabin, it can also measure absorption

Technical specifications:

Overall dimensions: 3.4 x 2.5 x 3.75 m (L x W x H)
Sample apertures: 1.0 x 1.2 m (standard flat samples)
1.5 x 2.0 m (larger parts)
Frequency range: 125 – 6’300 Hz

Porpos
User-friendly Measurement of Porosity of Felts and Foams

The Porpos system measures the porosity (ratio of air to overall volume) of felts and foams on the basis of the so-called “air-based” method. Via a process of alternately compressing and decompressing air, the porosity of the sample under analysis can be derived from the resulting pressure changes. Owing to the user-friendliness of the measurement procedure, Porpos is suitable not only for experts as the measurement system guides the user through the entire procedure while the system software controls the measurement cycle and automatically evaluates the results.

Porpos offers:

  • Fast and easy measurement procedure thanks to user-friendly software
  • Automatic evaluation of the measurement results by the software
  • Suitable for a wide range of porous materials such as felts and foams
  • Measurements of up to 100% sample porosity possible (pure air)
  • High measurement quality

Technical specifications:

Sample holder dimensions: 50 mm long cylinder with 40 mm diameter