Smart structural excitation: Simplifying vibroacoustic research

Kurzfassung

Although there have been substantial advances in the field of cabin noise and vibroacoustic research in the last decades, one of the topics that has been for long overlooked is the characterization of vibroacoustic sources. This work shown here aims to present the development of a structural excitation system capable to replicate the vibrational signature of an engine, such capability can be used to enable and simplify the requirements for research in these areas. The replication of the engine behavior by the system is based on the injection of forces and moments of force that are characteristic for an engine at an arbitrary operational condition. The envisioned system provides the flexibility to be configured to replicate any arbitrary vibrational signature, irrespective of the propulsion type or the operating condition. A detailed description of the evolution of the system is presented, from an early stage prototype to maturity. Capabilities and limitations are also addressed in order to provide a complete overview of the system. Performance results from laboratory evaluations are presented and discussed. As part of a continuation of this project, future plans for real scale validation on an A320 wing are described.