Noise Reduction in the Cab of a Special Vehicle

Abstract

Noise is highly associated with adverse effects on health, the human psyche and performance. Current special vehicles do not possess sufficient technologies to suppress the transmission of noise or vibration, which typically results in loss of control, comfort, driving safety, the performance of tasks, etc. At the same time, noise reduces attention and work efficiency while increasing fatigue, leading to hazards, dangerous situations, and missions that may not be completed. This article briefly presents selected parts of a project which included additional soundproofing of a special armoured mobile vehicle on a TATRA wheeled chassis. Basic theoretical, experimental, and practical information about this project is presented. To reduce noise, a selected damping material was used, which is a combination of recycled PUR foam and black rubber with a rough structure. The damping material was selected based on repeated experimental testing of sound absorption measurements from several damping materials. The material was chosen for suitable damping effects and corresponding technological properties (resistance to high temperatures, non-flammability, etc.). In the engine compartment and the cab of the vehicle, the damping properties were experimentally verified after retrofitting, while the noise was significantly reduced.