A Three-Dimensional Numerical Investigation of Air Pumping Noise Generation in Tires

Tire noise reduction is an important aspect of overall vehicle noise reduction. However, due to the complex nature of tire noise generation and correlation between various generation mechanisms, it is difficult to isolate, predict, and control tire noise. Air-related noise generation mechanisms in tires are tough to predict experimentally, resulting in the need for an accurate numerical model. Computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) is used here to propose a numerical tool capable of predicting air-pumping noise generation. Slot deformations are prescribed by custom functions instead of using structural solvers and the rotation of tire is represented by using mesh motion and deformation techniques. Near-field and far-field acoustic characteristics are predicted using fluid dynamic equations and acoustic models. The use of various spectral analysis tools show that the proposed model is capable of predicting the high frequency air-pumping noise while also predicting other air-related mechanisms such as pipe resonance, Helmholtz resonance, and rotational turbulence. This study is intended to provide an understanding of the various air-related noise generation mechanisms so that numerical models can be used in the future to predict tire acoustics economically and effectively.