Efficient noise and vibration reduction at sea

Mechanical noise and vibrations are investigated with the aim of improving passenger comfort, reliability, durability and silencing. Structural behavior and the many sources of noise and vibration are characterized in order to understand and optimize performance. Engineers rely on pressure sensors, waterproof accelerometers and acoustic emission sensors from Kistler –including IEPE, miniature and low-noise variants – for an efficient noise and vibration reduction at sea.

Depending on the ship’s propulsion, noise and vibration mainly originate from motors or turbines and are affected by operational factors such as loading, weather and sea conditions, or maneuvers. Low-noise uniaxial and triaxial accelerometers are used to investigate these phenomena, and waterproof capabilities may also be required to support submersible installations.

Other than the main engine, the propeller is the principal exciter of ship vibrations. To take account of these issues, propeller tests generally include measurements of pressure fluctuation, vibration and sound. Most of these tests are performed on ship models in cavitation tunnels, but testing is also carried out on real vessels in some cases.

Piezoelectric pressure sensors are the solution of choice for measuring very small pressure pulsations (down to a few microbars/1E-5 psi), and they can also cope with high static pressure levels. Vibrations are measured directly on the propeller in order to analyze and compare acoustically optimized propellers.