Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH) Testing

Overview

Have you ever noticed how a luxury car door ""thuds"" smoothly while a cheaper one ""clangs,"" or why some electric motors hum pleasantly while others are irritating? These experiences are the result of precise Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) engineering. NVH performance defines how a product sounds, feels, and conveys quality across industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. In this course, you’ll gain a hands-on understanding of NVH testing, data acquisition, and signal processing using accessible, free tools. You’ll learn how engineers capture vibration and sound data, analyze signals, and apply techniques to improve product comfort and acoustic performance. Designed for aspiring NVH engineers and mechanical professionals, this course blends theory with real-world applications. This course is designed for engineers working on mechanical, automotive, or acoustic performance, as well as R&D, quality professionals, and students who want practical NVH analysis skills. Learners should be familiar with a basic understanding of mechanical vibrations, acoustics, and familiarity with using measurement software or Excel for data analysis. By the end, you’ll be able to measure and interpret NVH data, identify noise and vibration sources, and suggest improvement strategies. You’ll also gain practical experience with Room EQ Wizard (REW), preparing you for real-world testing and optimization challenges. Whether entering NVH engineering or enhancing your mechanical design skills, this course lays the foundation to transform unwanted noise into engineered perfection."

Syllabus

Fundamentals of NVH Testing

In this module, you’ll learn the basics of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH). You’ll explore what causes NVH in machines and vehicles and why it matters for comfort and product quality. You’ll also understand how NVH is measured and how human perception affects the way we judge sound and vibration.

Data Acquisition and Signal Processing Basics

This module focuses on how to collect and process NVH data. You’ll learn how sensors and data systems capture vibration and sound signals, and how to clean and analyze them using basic signal processing methods like FFT and filtering. We’ll also use a free tool, REW (Room EQ Wizard), to visualize and understand NVH signals.

Evaluating and Improving Product Sound and Feel

In this final module, you’ll learn how to assess and improve product sound and feel. You’ll explore how engineers rate sound quality and find vibration issues, then use methods like damping and isolation to fix them. You’ll also see how before-and-after testing confirms the success of NVH improvements.