Evaluation of machinery acoustic properties using the acoustic radiation efficiency parameter

Acoustic radiation efficiency is a parameter which characterizes the sound radiation effectiveness of a vibrating surface. It can be useful in describing the coupling between a vibrating element and the origin of its structure-borne noise. This paper discusses the possibilities of using acoustic radiation efficiency parameter as an indicator applied to assess the noise emitted by power machinery. Acoustic methods, including intensity scanning, Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) and numerical analyses, were used to determine the vibration velocity and, subsequently, calculate and evaluate the radiation efficiency values. Results of measurements and FEM simulations are presented along with comparison of the methods.