Numerical investigation of the fluid structure acoustics interaction on a simplified car model

Part of vehicle interior noise is caused by the complex turbulent flow field behind the a-pillar and side mirror. It excites the structure of the side window, which radiates noise into the interior. Both aerodynamic pressure excitation and acoustic sound sources in the flow play an important role. In this work, the influence of both excitation mechanisms is investigated numerically in a hybrid simulation on a simplified car geometry. The generic model allows for an exact definition of boundary conditions and good reproducibility of simulation results. An incompressible Large-Eddy-Simulation (LES) of the flow is conducted, from which acoustic source terms within the flow field and transient fluid forces acting on the surface of the side window are extracted. This data is used in a coupled vibroacoustic and aeroacoustic simulation of the structure and passenger cabin of the vehicle. A finite element (FE) approach is used for the simulations and detailed modeling of the structure and the influence of interior absorption properties is emphasized. The computed excitation on the side window and the interior noise levels are successfully validated by using experimental data. The importance and contribution of both aerodynamic and acoustic pressure excitation to the interior sound level are determined.