Using Statistical Energy Analysis to Optimize Sound Package for Realistic Load Cases

The statistical energy analysis (SEA) is widely used to support the development of the sound package of cars. This paper will present a model prepared to investigate the sound package of the new Audi A3 and its correlation against measurements. Special care was given during the creation of the model on the representation of the structure to able the analysis of structure borne energy flow on top of the classical airborne analysis usually done with SEA. The sound package is also detailed in the model to allow further optimization and analysis of its performance. Two real life load cases will be presented to validate the model with measurements. First, the dominating powertrain and second, a case with dominating rolling noise. An analysis of the contribution of the different source components and a way to diagnose the weak paths of the vehicle will be presented. The focus of this investigation is the application of optimally adjusted treatment.