Virtually Tuning an Automotive Audio System

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation
Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization

Applicable Industries

Automotive

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Digital Twin
Predictive Quality Analytics
Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services
System Integration

The Challenge

HARMAN, a market leader in connected car setups, faces the challenge of designing unique audio configurations for each vehicle model. The process involves accounting for various components and car acoustics, such as speaker placement, orientation, and packaging. Traditional methods of physical testing and in situ listening are time-consuming and costly. The need for a quicker, more efficient development process that can keep up with the rapid pace of vehicle design is paramount. Engineers at HARMAN sought a solution that would allow them to virtually 'tune' their audio systems before creating live prototypes, thereby saving time and resources.

About The Customer

HARMAN is a leading company in the automotive audio and infotainment industry, equipping over 80% of the world's luxury cars with premium audio systems. The company specializes in connected car setups, offering a range of electronic entertainment possibilities, from smartphone connectivity to interactive displays and video screens. HARMAN's team of acoustic and simulation specialists work meticulously to ensure that each vehicle model receives a unique audio configuration that accounts for various components and car acoustics. The company is committed to improving the quality and speed of its product development process, enhancing customer satisfaction, and reducing costs.

The Solution

To address the challenge, HARMAN's engineers turned to mathematical modeling and numerical simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics® software. This integrated environment allowed them to perform mechanical, acoustic, and electrical simulations, freeing up time and effort previously spent on creating and updating their own tools. In one case, they measured and simulated the sound pressure levels generated by a loudspeaker in a Mercedes-Benz ML car to validate their numerical models. The team established a library of validated models and known solutions, enabling performance predictions for various loudspeaker configurations. They also used LiveLink™ for MATLAB® to create a bidirectional link between MATLAB® and COMSOL®, facilitating the conversion of 3D scan data into surface meshes for studying acoustic pressure waves. This approach allowed HARMAN to optimize speaker acoustics and validate their models through a series of tests, ultimately deducing the best loudspeaker setup for a given car.

Operational Impact

HARMAN's validated simulations enable the company to start developing sound systems even as vehicles are still being designed, significantly speeding up the product development process.
The use of virtual tuning allows for quicker design modifications in the virtual domain, reducing the need for physical prototypes and in situ listening tests.
The ability to assess audio systems based purely on simulation improves customer responsiveness and lowers the cost of design amendments.

Quantitative Benefit

HARMAN equips more than 80% of the world's luxury cars with premium audio systems.
The use of COMSOL Multiphysics® software and LiveLink™ for MATLAB® has significantly reduced the time spent on physical testing and in situ listening.