Application of Particle Dampers in Vehicle Acoustics

Abstract Purpose This study introduces a novel application of particle dampers (PDs) in the automotive industry, reducing interior vehicle structure-borne noise by targeting panel radiated noise, where PD use remains underexplored. PDs, containers partially filled with granular material and traditionally solidly coupled to damped structures, are well-established passive dampers widely studied in the literature. Their damping loss factor exhibits high nonlinearity, varying with the frequency and amplitude of dynamic loads, and peaks above 1 g accelerations when most particles are in motion. Methods The research defines a methodology to design and validate a contact-only PDs treatment for vehicle acoustics with improved performance under vibrations below 1 g —typical of vehicle body panels under powertrain or road excitations— thanks to a flexible closure. The approach of closing the PD-panel contact side using a thin foil enhances energy dissipation in low excitation environments in a wide frequency range, which is obtained through friction and inelastic collisions between particles, walls, and the flexible container’s base, and supported by numerical models and experimental data. Results Vehicle road test results show the possibility of defining an equivalent compared to conventional damping treatment with 20% weight reduction, enabling integration into vehicle acoustic trim parts like floor or dash insulators, boosting sustainability. Conclusions This non-adhesive design simplifies application, and offers a cost-effective damping solution as a stand-alone treatment or as enhancement for acoustic trims, addressing a key literature gap.