Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GAP_Noise (Global Acoustic interaction and Psychoacoustic impact of the autonomous vehicles in interior and exterior NOISE)
Reporting period: 2023-03-01 to 2025-02-28
Future urban mobility is envisioned with electrified vehicles (xEV) with driving assistance systems (such as autonomous vehicles, AV) coexisting
with other road users like pedestrians and cyclists, resulting in smart and sustainable cities with less air and noise pollution.
However, one of the most significant problems with xEV in urban areas is the lack of noise. The noise reduction of vehicles has been very
welcomed by society but with the inherent risk of losing its detectability, with particular attention to vulnerable road users. Several studies reported
that xEVs are more likely to have more accidents with cyclists and run over pedestrians (especially the most vulnerable ones like blind people).
External noise is one of the perils facing the quietness of xEV, but the interior noise should also be addressed. The internal acoustic and vibration
environment would help reduce monotony and increase awareness of drivers using automated driving modes (with still required human feedback),
and contribute to the passengers' welfare.
In xEV running at low speeds (urban areas), most internal and external noises are produced by the electric and electronic elements in the
powertrain. The electrified powertrain offers the opportunity to create specific sounds following certain requirements and endorsing associations
for increasing safety in road users, awareness of drivers, and comfort appreciation.
The GAP_NOISE project aims to define a set of actions to fill the gap between the current knowledge and technology in xEV and human
psychoacoustics, combining the engineering fields of electric motors, modelling methods, control strategies, in addition to the recognized
interaction between perceived sound quality and vibration. Thus, establishing an ideal theoretical and practical arena for developing a
technologically strong community of scientists, engineers and social stakeholders capable of boosting the acoustic integration of autonomous
vehicles in future urban areas.
with other road users like pedestrians and cyclists, resulting in smart and sustainable cities with less air and noise pollution.
However, one of the most significant problems with xEV in urban areas is the lack of noise. The noise reduction of vehicles has been very
welcomed by society but with the inherent risk of losing its detectability, with particular attention to vulnerable road users. Several studies reported
that xEVs are more likely to have more accidents with cyclists and run over pedestrians (especially the most vulnerable ones like blind people).
External noise is one of the perils facing the quietness of xEV, but the interior noise should also be addressed. The internal acoustic and vibration
environment would help reduce monotony and increase awareness of drivers using automated driving modes (with still required human feedback),
and contribute to the passengers' welfare.
In xEV running at low speeds (urban areas), most internal and external noises are produced by the electric and electronic elements in the
powertrain. The electrified powertrain offers the opportunity to create specific sounds following certain requirements and endorsing associations
for increasing safety in road users, awareness of drivers, and comfort appreciation.
The GAP_NOISE project aims to define a set of actions to fill the gap between the current knowledge and technology in xEV and human
psychoacoustics, combining the engineering fields of electric motors, modelling methods, control strategies, in addition to the recognized
interaction between perceived sound quality and vibration. Thus, establishing an ideal theoretical and practical arena for developing a
technologically strong community of scientists, engineers and social stakeholders capable of boosting the acoustic integration of autonomous
vehicles in future urban areas.
During first year pf the project ten expected deliverables have been submitted.
Moreover, objectives were achieved. For more information see details per work-package in the Technical report.
Moreover, objectives were achieved. For more information see details per work-package in the Technical report.
All consortium members are aware of the importance of GAP_NOISE impact results. So each partner, when possible and feasible, disseminates the ongoing results. Moreover, all DCs are an active part for the all Exploitation, Dissemination and Communication Strategy.
UPC disseminated the GAP_NOISE project at the FISITA World Congress (12-15th September 2023, Barcelona, Spain). In FISITA, DC2 also presented a poster. Also in ETSEIB, Industrial Engineering School from UPC, during the recruiting exhibition Forum ESTEIB (14-16th May 2024 Barcelona, Spain), GAP_NOISE was presented. It was strategic because future students can know about MSCA potential funding programmes.
The contribution of DC3 to tire identification methodologies is twofold. First, it involves exploring state-of-the-art testing technologies, such as high-speed cameras, wireless accelerometers, and laser Doppler vibrometers, to enable tire measurements under rolling conditions. Accurate interpretation of the collected data allows for the experimental identification of gyroscopic shifts. Second, it introduces a modal-based tire model capable of accounting for gyroscopic effects during rolling. The core idea is to build a modal basis from a conventional modal analysis performed under static conditions, which can then be extrapolated to any rolling speed. This extrapolated modal model will be integrated into the CTPA framework to enhance the accuracy of road noise predictions.
DC4 has contributed to advancing knowledge in state-estimation techniques, vibroacoustic principles, and numerical modelling methods through targeted training and applied research. A laboratory-scale implementation has been developed by integrating multiple approaches, demonstrating the potential of a virtual sensing framework. This work shows promise in extending experimental capabilities and offering practical approaches for both academic investigations and selected industrial scenarios.
• At DAS/DAGA 2025, the 51st Annual Meeting on Acoustics, a presentation titled "Computationally Efficient Virtual Sensing Method for Exterior Vibroacoustics Using a Time Domain Finite Element Model with Perfectly Matched Layers" was delivered and the proceedings have been published.
IDIADA carried out four key events:
• At CENEX-EXPO Net Zero · Connected Automated Mobility-2024, a presentation titled “Vector Control for Traction Units: Experimental & Simulation Approach” was delivered.
• A peer-reviewed paper has been accepted for the 7th edition of IEEE Workshop on Electrical Machine Design, Control and Diagnostics – WEMDCD, an international event sponsored by IEEE-IES Industrial Electronics Society and co-sponsored by IEEE-IAS Industry Applications Society. The paper will be presented on April 10th, 2025, with the topic “Design of Speed Regulator for Four Quadrant Operation with Derating and Delay.”
• A paper will be published, and a speaker session entitled “Impact of Control Techniques on Electromagnetic Torque Generation Using a Multiphysics Simulation” is scheduled for the 2025 JSAE Annual Congress (Spring).
• Finally, a paper has been submitted to a Q1 Open Journal and is currently under review.
For future work from DC6, the research methodology and example codes will be properly documented and made publicly available in alignment with the FAIR principles.
DC8 presented her results at the International Modal Analysis Conference in Florida (02.2025). The paper titled “Enhancing NVH mitigation: a hybrid approach for locally resonant metamaterial design” is due to be published in proceedings by Springer later this year. DC7 and DC8 are due to disseminate their research at ICEDyn in Lisbon, Portugal (06.2025).
SIEMENS participated in the following activities:
• DC9 presented a talk about the research titled ‘Auralization and 3D Sound Synthesis for NVH Simulator Using Ambisonics Processing’ at ABAV Research Day 2024 – Ghent, Belgium
• DC9 presented a talk about the research titled ‘Auralization and active sound design with spatial audio on a vehicle simulator’ at the Audio Developer Conference (ADCx India 2025) in Bangalore, India.
Regarding specific to industrial applications, BOSCH the research undertaken in the GAP Noise project has increased technical knowledge to tackle persistent problems via new technical solutions for example, locally resonant metamaterials. The successful implementation of the first batch of metamaterials developed by DC8 has been tested, which fills key gaps in existing technical knowledge.
DC10, together with DC2 (UPC) and DC3 (KUL) presented the GAP_Noise project, the individual research projects and progress at the 13th International Styrian Noise and Vibration Conference (ISNVH 2024) in the session “Industry meets Academia”.
UPC disseminated the GAP_NOISE project at the FISITA World Congress (12-15th September 2023, Barcelona, Spain). In FISITA, DC2 also presented a poster. Also in ETSEIB, Industrial Engineering School from UPC, during the recruiting exhibition Forum ESTEIB (14-16th May 2024 Barcelona, Spain), GAP_NOISE was presented. It was strategic because future students can know about MSCA potential funding programmes.
The contribution of DC3 to tire identification methodologies is twofold. First, it involves exploring state-of-the-art testing technologies, such as high-speed cameras, wireless accelerometers, and laser Doppler vibrometers, to enable tire measurements under rolling conditions. Accurate interpretation of the collected data allows for the experimental identification of gyroscopic shifts. Second, it introduces a modal-based tire model capable of accounting for gyroscopic effects during rolling. The core idea is to build a modal basis from a conventional modal analysis performed under static conditions, which can then be extrapolated to any rolling speed. This extrapolated modal model will be integrated into the CTPA framework to enhance the accuracy of road noise predictions.
DC4 has contributed to advancing knowledge in state-estimation techniques, vibroacoustic principles, and numerical modelling methods through targeted training and applied research. A laboratory-scale implementation has been developed by integrating multiple approaches, demonstrating the potential of a virtual sensing framework. This work shows promise in extending experimental capabilities and offering practical approaches for both academic investigations and selected industrial scenarios.
• At DAS/DAGA 2025, the 51st Annual Meeting on Acoustics, a presentation titled "Computationally Efficient Virtual Sensing Method for Exterior Vibroacoustics Using a Time Domain Finite Element Model with Perfectly Matched Layers" was delivered and the proceedings have been published.
IDIADA carried out four key events:
• At CENEX-EXPO Net Zero · Connected Automated Mobility-2024, a presentation titled “Vector Control for Traction Units: Experimental & Simulation Approach” was delivered.
• A peer-reviewed paper has been accepted for the 7th edition of IEEE Workshop on Electrical Machine Design, Control and Diagnostics – WEMDCD, an international event sponsored by IEEE-IES Industrial Electronics Society and co-sponsored by IEEE-IAS Industry Applications Society. The paper will be presented on April 10th, 2025, with the topic “Design of Speed Regulator for Four Quadrant Operation with Derating and Delay.”
• A paper will be published, and a speaker session entitled “Impact of Control Techniques on Electromagnetic Torque Generation Using a Multiphysics Simulation” is scheduled for the 2025 JSAE Annual Congress (Spring).
• Finally, a paper has been submitted to a Q1 Open Journal and is currently under review.
For future work from DC6, the research methodology and example codes will be properly documented and made publicly available in alignment with the FAIR principles.
DC8 presented her results at the International Modal Analysis Conference in Florida (02.2025). The paper titled “Enhancing NVH mitigation: a hybrid approach for locally resonant metamaterial design” is due to be published in proceedings by Springer later this year. DC7 and DC8 are due to disseminate their research at ICEDyn in Lisbon, Portugal (06.2025).
SIEMENS participated in the following activities:
• DC9 presented a talk about the research titled ‘Auralization and 3D Sound Synthesis for NVH Simulator Using Ambisonics Processing’ at ABAV Research Day 2024 – Ghent, Belgium
• DC9 presented a talk about the research titled ‘Auralization and active sound design with spatial audio on a vehicle simulator’ at the Audio Developer Conference (ADCx India 2025) in Bangalore, India.
Regarding specific to industrial applications, BOSCH the research undertaken in the GAP Noise project has increased technical knowledge to tackle persistent problems via new technical solutions for example, locally resonant metamaterials. The successful implementation of the first batch of metamaterials developed by DC8 has been tested, which fills key gaps in existing technical knowledge.
DC10, together with DC2 (UPC) and DC3 (KUL) presented the GAP_Noise project, the individual research projects and progress at the 13th International Styrian Noise and Vibration Conference (ISNVH 2024) in the session “Industry meets Academia”.