Optimization of noise rhythmizing parameters for musical road using finite element simulation

Abstract

Vehicle noise pollution has recently attracted increasing attention. The concept of rhythmizing road noise, which generates musical notes while driving, has emerged as a potential solution for alleviating noise pollution and enhancing the driving experience. This study utilized a simulation method combining ABAQUS and MATLAB to develop a numerical model that describes the coupling between tires and road grooves. The results indicate that the average relative error between the frequency corresponding to the peak acoustic pressure level of the vibro-acoustic pressure model and the theoretically calculated frequency was only 2.4 %. Consequently, the parameter settings in the numerical model were coincided with the actual grooves on the road surface. Subsequently, the effects of various factors including vehicle speed, road groove spacing, road groove width, and road groove depth on the acoustic properties of musical roads were investigated. Finally, the optimal ranges of vehicle speed and road groove parameters were determined to enhance the musical features of musical roads. The optimal vehicle speed range for the designed musical road is 40–60 km/h, whereas the preferred depth range for the road grooves is 3–5 mm. Moreover, the road groove width should be set to a minimum of 20 mm. Specifically, the optimal combination of parameters for the road grooves is a groove depth of 4 mm and width of either 24 or 26 mm. Additionally, the optimal voice range and road groove parameters were justified using actual engineering projects. The results of this study can provide valuable insights for optimizing the design and construction of musical roads and promote their widespread application.