Numerical and experimental acoustical characterization of fuel pumps and tanks employed in the automotive field

The transmission of noise generated by fuel pumps inside the car is treated. At first typical fuel pumps have been tested in an acoustically qualified room with the aim of characterizing their noise emissions. The acoustical measurements led to the evaluation of typical noise spectra associated to the fuel pumps investigated and, therefore, of the acoustical power of these sources. Then the modal properties of the tanks in which the pumps work have been evaluated: modal tests have been performed to evaluate their dynamic properties in terms of natural frequencies and normal modes with special care for the modal damping that is crucial for the transmission of the noise generated through the walls of the tanks. A numerical modal characterization has been performed developing Finite Elements models of the tanks under investigation: a numerical – experimental correlation has been performed updating the Finite Elements models on the results provided by the experimental tests.