Application of multi-channel spectral analysis to identify the source of a noise amplitude modulation in a diesel engine operating at idle

We are interested in the low frequency amplitude modulation of the noise generated by an engine operating at idle. This phenomenon, perceived inside the car, is particularly annoying. Modulated vibrations are transmitted to the frame mainly by one of the three engine mounts. The combustion is the first potential source to be inspected, but pragmatic observations on consecutive measurements show that it is not the cause of the amplitude modulation. Spectral analysis tools are applied on multi-channel measurements to identify the source of the phenomenon. A sensor is placed on each potential noise and vibration source. A virtual source analysis show that several uncorrelated sources are contributing to the operating response, particularly on frequencies for which a high amplitude modulation is observed. The computation of residual spectra obtained by means of conditioned spectral analysis proves that the diesel pump is involved in the amplitude modulation. Experiments are carried out to validate this diagnosis. Added masses appropriately placed on the injection circuit strongly attenuate the phenomenon.