ACADEMIC POLICY & QUALITY OFFICE
T2.8: MODULE DESCRIPTOR
1. MANAGEMENT DETAILS
Module title: Noise, Vibration and Harshness
Module number: ENGR7003
Level: 7
No. of credits: 20
Module leader: Anand Thite
Mode of delivery: ON CAMPUS
Semester/s of delivery: Semester 2
Pre-requisite module code: None
Co-requisite module code: None
Barred combinations: None
Other restrictions or requirements: None
Delivery location: Wheatley
Programme/s in which this module may be taken: Status on programme:
MSc Automotive Engineering with Electric Vehicles Compulsory
(MSC-EV)
MSc Mechanical Engineering (MSC-MH) Compulsory
PGDip/PGCert Automotive Engineering with Electric Acceptable
Vehicles (PGD-EV, PGC-EV)
PGDip/PGCert Mechanical Engineering (PGD-MH, PGC- Acceptable
MH)
PGDip/PGCert Engineering (PGD-ENG PGC-ENG) Acceptable
Template updated January 2023
2. MODULE AIMS
The module addresses advanced methods of vibration and acoustic analysis, the effects of vibration
and its control. The relation between vibration and noise is explored with concepts such as sound
radiation efficiency. Passive vibration and noise control techniques covered include, resonance tuning,
vibration isolation, damping and design of vibration absorbers. Three forms of solutions: a) analytical,
b) numerical and c) experimental are used as appropriate. Commercially available software like
MATLAB and ANSYS are part of the coursework. The module content and the coursework will allow
students to be able to appreciate and apply complex design approaches to reduce vibrations and
noise occurring in the real world.
3. LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this Brookes Attribute developed Other Brookes Attributes
module, students will be able to: developed, if applicable
1 Build analytical, numerical and Academic literacy Digital and information literacy
experimental vibration and acoustic
models to obtain vibration and noise
response
2 Research and explore a variety of Research literacy Academic literacy
approaches to model vibration
problems.
3 Perform modal testing to evaluate Academic literacy Digital and information literacy
modal parameters such as natural
frequencies, mode shapes and
modal damping.
4 Carry out modal analysis using finite Digital and information literacy Academic literacy
element approach to identify
vibration problems. Critically analyse
vibration and noise response using
commercial FE and numerical
analysis software.
5 Critically analyse noise and vibration Critical self awareness and Academic literacy, Research
responses to diagnose and initiate personal literacy literacy
the mitigating process.
6 Correlate and validate Academic literacy Critical self awareness and
test/numerical models so as gain personal literacy, Digital and
confidence in the modelling. information literacy
7 Evaluate the relative advantages of Academic literacy Research literacy, Critical self
passive vibration control techniques awareness and personal
such as additional damping, natural literacy, Active citizenship
frequency tuning, vibration absorber
and vibration isolation.
Template updated January 2023
4. OUTLINE SYLLABUS
● Structural vibration
Forced vibration analysis of MDOF systems (matrix inversion and mode superposition) –
theoretical development followed by analysis using numerical approaches, Beam and plate
vibration, frequency response functions, vibration isolation, structural modification, local vibration
control, and damping control.
● Fundamentals of applied acoustics
Sound pressure, sound power, sound intensity, acoustic modes of 1, 2 and 3 dimensional
acoustic systems – analysis using a numerical approach.
● Noise and vibration of mechanical structures
Vibration transmission, Sound radiation, Sound transmission, Sound absorption, Transfer paths -
structure-borne, airborne; numerical modelling of acoustic cavities, structural-acoustic
interaction, acoustic absorption modelling
● Noise and vibration of rotating machines
The vibration of rotating components - gear trains, coupled motor-gear trains, Free and forced
vibration analysis using a numerical approach.
● Noise and vibration measurement and analysis
Fundamentals of noise and vibration measurements, signal processing for NVH, diagnosis of
NVH problems, Modal testing and modal parameter estimation, introduction to transfer path
analysis.
5. TEACHING LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
The learning outcomes are met by formal lectures and seminars. The lectures and seminars aim to
provide the following globally applicable capabilities: i) enhance and extend the knowledge base of
vibration analysis of multi-degree-freedom systems, control of vibration and the noise generation
mechanism, ii) introduce acoustics and structural-acoustic interaction concerning NVH, concepts of
sound radiation efficiency and sound transmission loss, iii) enable students to develop appropriate
methods of analysis and problem-solving and iv) enhance their experience and potential in the use of
numerical tools such as ANSYS and MATLAB to develop virtual prototyping skills.
The practical work is carried out: i) to provide relevant training that develops student skills and
aptitude to enable them to undertake careers in the industry involving engineering dynamics
applications, ii) to introduce concepts of vibration and noise measurement and analysis iii) to develop
skills to diagnose NVH problems using approaches such as order analysis and iv) to use experimental
modal analysis as a model characterisation and verification tool.
The assessment strategy is constructively aligned covering both formative and summative forms. In
seminars, instantaneous feedback is provided.
The coursework comprehensively covers the learning outcomes concerning research, personal
literacy and digital literacy. The practical and numerical studies performed provide a good experiential
learning opportunity. Written and oral feedback help in enhancing overall constructive learning. This
coursework includes the following:
● Application of FEA computer software in the solution of dynamics of complex built-up
structures.
● Analysis using MDOF vehicle ride and drive train models.
● Design and development of a passive vibration product
● Modelling of an acoustic cavity of industrial relevance to perform acoustic and coupled
structural-acoustic analysis.
● Participate in group laboratory sessions, which provide an experience of experimental methods
for diagnosing NVH problems, and characterisation of structural dynamics behaviour, modal
parameter estimation to develop experimental models and design validation.
● Write individual reports and combine them into a portfolio covering important aspects of
modelling, analysis, and diagnosis of NVH problems of industrial and research relevance.
Template updated January 2023
During the course of measurements and/or numerical analysis formative feedback is provided. To
conclude the exercise a portfolio is submitted, on which summative feedback is provided.
A class test will be conducted to assess the assimilation of NVH knowledge that happened during the
lectures, seminars, practical work, and interaction during the development of the portfolio. The
students are required to do directed and independent study for which resources and direction will be
provided.
In addition to meeting the requirements of Graduate Attributes, the module must contribute to the
learning outcomes matrix defined in UKSPEC by the IMechE.
6. LEARNING HOURS (10 NOTIONAL LEARNING HOURS PER CREDIT)
Scheduled learning and teaching activities Contact hours
Lectures 12 hours
Seminars 0 hours
Practical classes/workshops 36 hours
Tutorials 0 hours
Fieldwork/external visits 0 hours
Guided independent study Learning hours
Directed/independent study 100 hours
Preparation for assessments (see section 7 for learning hours for individual tasks) 52 hours
Placement/Study Abroad 0 hours
TOTAL: 200 hours
7. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT TASKS
Word count/ Learning Learning Weighting
duration of hours outcomes %
exam assessed
Coursework:
Written Assignment (individual) – 3200 words 42 1-7 80%
development of a portfolio
Class test:
In-class test 1 hour 10 2,5 and 7 20%
Template updated January 2023
8. OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
The sessions on software like MATLAB and ANSYS provide ample opportunities to have good
feedback sessions. The coursework and associated lab sessions are interactive enough to involve the
groups and the instructors in critical discussions. The problem-solving during seminars also provides
opportunities to assess the development and continually act on to improve the student experience.
9. ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT/DELIVERY
Should a student have an Individual Support Plan then normally every effort will be made to offer an
alternative assessment in line with requirements, within reason for individual assessment elements.
This will be actioned on a case by case basis by the Module Leader and in discussion with Wellbeing,
Programme Lead and Subject Co-ordinator.
10. INDICATIVE READING LIST
See the reading list at [Link]
Date module first approved: 10/03/2010
Date of most recent revision: 05/04/2023
Template updated January 2023