Acoustics test field

• Subject Area: Mechanics and Constructive Mechanical Engineering
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 584960015

The consideration of noise and vibrations in technical systems is essential for most applications. This applies equally to mechanical engineering, vehicle construction, shipbuilding, energy technology, medical technology, electrical engineering and many other disciplines. Understanding and analysing noise and vibrations is crucial for assessing their impact on the function, safety and service life of machines or systems. In addition to simulation methods, the precise, contactless measurement and analysis of sound and vibrations is therefore a fundamental building block for the further development of technical systems. The high-precision recording of noise and vibrations creates the basis for research in the field of validating numerical dynamic structural and acoustic models, determining dynamic material properties and the early detection of damaging operating conditions. The proposed renewal of the acoustic test facility is intended to provide a powerful infrastructure for high-resolution, contactless measurement of noise and rapid structural movements. The system enables the precise excitation and detection of vibrations and sound, even of the smallest, high-frequency and rapidly transient movements. The requested acoustic test field device configuration comprises a system that, • consists of a scanning laser vibrometer that can measure surfaces using flexible optical modules and is insensitive to surface roughness, reflections and in-plane vibrations, • automated pulse excitation and triggering, • a microphone array including measurement data acquisition. This measurement system is used in several scientific projects. These include: • validation of boundary conditions for evaluating new calculation and model reduction approaches for transient acoustic simulation based on structural vibrations in order to enable their further development for industrial applications, • Analysis and optimisation of the dynamic transfer stiffnesses of aggregate bearings, • Development of a simulation-based method for the acoustic design of quiet water-cooled electric motors, • Efficient acoustic calculation of electric drives in transient operating states, • Psychoacoustic sound analysis of electrically powered vehicles, • Modal-based diagnostics for the temperature-dependent determination of orthotropic material parameters of additively welded components, • Effects of melt pool vibrations during welding on grain refinement effects. The improved measurement accuracy and spatial resolution of the new system will enable experimental research methods to be significantly expanded and methodologically deepened. The device thus represents a central component for the further development of experimental research at the THU campus and at the same time supports scientific training in modern measurement techniques.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Akustik-Prüffeld (Erneuerung)
• Instrumentation Group: 5740 Laser in der Fertigung
• Applicant Institution: Technische Hochschule Ulm
• Leader: Professor Dr.-Ing. Bernd Graf