The refinement of vehicles and rotating machines with respect to noise and vibration is central to creating a successful product. Not just making less noise, but also making the "right" noise can be important in the overall success of any manufacturing endeavor.

Using the depth and power of DATS.nvh software suites, it is possible to determine which sources are causing the problem.

Any speed, or pulsed signal, can be used by the extensive tacho analysis module to analyze the signal in a waterfall analysis. This shows the frequency content of signals as the speed changes. The skilled engineer is then able to distinguish quickly between those phenomena that respond at a fixed frequency, such as structural modes of vibration, and the forcing function, which is usually harmonically related to one of the rotating parts of an assembly.

Order analysis picks out those parts of the spectrum which are harmonically related and displays the data on an order axis, enabling slices and order cuts, which make the location of problematic sources, or frequency coincidences so much easier.

As these tests are often carried out on test tracks (in the case of vehicles) no two measurements will be exactly the same. Waterfall averaging enables the engineer to get a much more consistent view of the problem.

1/nth octave analysis is used extensively as a first level method of reducing the amount of data, into standardized bandwidths, which reflect the human response to noise.

There are a large number of sound quality metrics, which can be used to further quantify noises in a way that reflects more accurately the psychoacoustic response of the customers. Not only the noise and vibration from the engine and powertrain, but also the squeaks and rattles, can all be assessed in one objective measurement.

DATS.nvh contains all of the functions and tools available in DATS.toolbox and adds all of the features mentioned above. You can enhance the DATS.nvh package with the following options...

Measure structural responses using an instrumented hammer. The software guides the user through taking a series of measurements. Results including H1, H2, Coherence, ASD, CSD, Inertance, Mobility etc. are all displayed and can be saved as required. Adds angle and order domain processing to the facilities already in the DATS.nvh package. Also includes processing for shaft twist and torsional vibration. Animate structures using time histories, frequency spectra or in the modal domain. The software includes a sophisticated 3D editor as well as imports for common formats. Data can be animated and overlayed with color map animations, magnitude & divergence and node persistence. Animations can be saved as AVI files for later playback. The DATS Modal Analysis package is provided for experimental modal analysts who want to determine Modal Frequencies, Damping Factors & Modal Amplitudes from measured frequency response functions or impulse response functions. A variety of frequency and time domain identification methods are provided for the extraction of these parameters, such as Half-Power methods, SDOF, MSDOF, MDOF and ERA-DC. The Time-Frequency Analysis suite implements a number of different time-frequency analysis algorithms including Wigner Ville, Atlas Zhao Marks, and Born Jordanas well as a comprehensive suite of wavelet analysis tools. Animate structures using time histories, frequency spectra or in the modal domain. The software includes a sophisticated 3D editor as well as imports for common formats. Data can be animated and overlayed with color map animations, magnitude & divergence and node persistence. Animations can be saved as AVI files for later playback. The Multiplane Balancing software can be used in any situation where the measurement and/or correction of shaft balance is required. Typical applications include vehicle drivetrains and turbines although any rotating component could be analysed.