Title: Controlling the turbocharger whistling noise in diesel engines

Authors: J.A. Calvo, V. Diaz, J.L. San Roman

Addresses: Departamento de Ingenieria Mecanica, E.P.S. Carlos III University of Madrid, Avenida de la Universidad, 30 Leganes 28911, Madrid, Spain. ' Departamento de Ingenieria Mecanica, E.P.S. Carlos III University of Madrid, Avenida de la Universidad, 30 Leganes 28911, Madrid, Spain. ' Departamento de Ingenieria Mecanica, E.P.S. Carlos III University of Madrid, Avenida de la Universidad, 30 Leganes 28911, Madrid, Spain

Abstract: Turbochargers are now commonly used in passenger cars especially in application with diesel engines because of their numerous advantages. The use of this machine greatly improves engine performance, while at the same time allowing pollutant emissions to be reduced. However, one of the important issues to take into account when a turbocharger is used in passenger cars is the whistling noise due to unbalanced forces that can be perceived by the driver, which causes discomfort. The manufacturer|s efforts to reduce the whistling noise are centred on reducing the unbalanced forces by a correct balance of rotating parts. However, improving the balance means increasing the manufacturing cost as this process is very expensive. Selecting the maximum unbalance admissible is a key activity during the development of a new application. In this paper, a procedure to control the turbocharger whistling noise vs. unbalanced forces variation has been suggested in order to maintain the acoustic comfort of the vehicle.

Keywords: turbochargers; vibration; whistling noise; frequency analysis; acceleration sensors; engine speed; unbalanced forces; diesel engines; noise control; vehicle noise; drive comfort; acoustic comfort.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVNV.2006.008524

International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration, 2006 Vol.2 No.1, pp.17 - 28

Published online: 28 Dec 2005 *

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