Research on Conditions and Influence Factors of an Acoustic Wave Acting as a Plane Wave in Tire Acoustic Cavity

Tire acoustic cavity resonance noise (TACRN) contributes significantly to the interior noise of electric cars and passenger cars with lower powertrain noise, which affects the comfort of the ride. To suppress TACRN effectively, it is crucial to clarify the characteristics of TACRN. In previous studies, the acoustic wave in the tire acoustic cavity is straightforwardly assumed to be the plane wave for convenience. In fact, there exist strict conditions for the acoustic wave propagating in the pipeline to act as a plane wave. The aim of this paper is to make the characteristics and evolution of acoustic waves in tire acoustic cavities clear. To do so, a simplified model of the tire cavity is established, and the sound field distribution and the acoustic wave propagation characteristics in the tire cavity are analyzed based on the theory of acoustic waveguide. Then, the existence ranges of higher-order waves (non-plane waves), the conditions of an acoustic wave evolving into a plane wave, and the frequency range of a plane wave are investigated. Finally, the characteristics and evolution law of an acoustic wave in a tire acoustic cavity are obtained. The work in this paper may deepen the understanding of the characteristics and mechanism of acoustic waves in the tire cavity and be helpful and meaningful for analyzing and suppressing TACRN. Therefore, it is of practical significance to reduce TACRN transmitted to the vehicle and improve the sound quality inside the vehicle.