Analysis of Vibro-Acoustic Path for Quantification of Tire-Pavement Interaction Noise Using a Two-Wheeler

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this research was to explore methods of signal analysis to study characteristics of the path for tire-pavement systems. The scope encompassed utilization of the state-of-the-art signal processing techniques to analyze the vibro-acoustic path for quantification of tire-pavement interaction noise of different types of pavement systems. Data collection included actual field noise and acceleration measurements on asphalt concrete (AC) and cement concrete (CC) pavement sections at varying speeds. First, single frequency filtering (SFF) method was utilized to minimize the tread impact effect and highlight the path resonances based on which the absorption metrics were proposed. Sharp peaks in the average SFF spectra indicated lower absorption, and smooth peaks reflected higher absorption capacity of a pavement system. Second, the input-output relation of a dynamical system was utilized to compute the transfer function, which helped characterize nonlinear properties of the tire-pavement system. For a given pavement type, based on the inconsistency found with frequencies across all speeds, the path behavior was inferred as nonlinear. The frequencies corresponding to CC pavement were higher by about 7% compared to AC. Furthermore, at each speed, root mean square of CC pavement was about 11–18 dB higher than AC. The framework proposed in this research will help quantify the contribution of pavement types to the overall vibro-acoustic path while also being able to measure the variation in roadway’s contribution with vehicular speed.