How a Honda Wheel Resonator Reduces Noise From Potholes
The Honda wheel resonator reduces noise from potholes and enhances driver comfort
The plastic piece is a Honda wheel resonator to reduce noise
Engine and road noise filtering into the passenger compartment can make conversations difficult, force occupants to raise their voice levels, and contribute to fatigue on long drives. This is called tire cavity noise, and it can affect your driving comfort and performance. Honda has introduced an innovative wheel resonator mounted on the wheel. The resonator is made of lightweight resin and has a hollow shape that allows air to pass through.
How the Honda wheel resonator reduces noise
Pipe resonance is the sound generated when the tire hits a bump or pothole in the road. The noise is similar to the sound produced when you bounce a basketball or volleyball on the floor. When a tire hits a bump or pothole, the pipe resonance is transmitted into the cabin, resulting in objectionable noise.
Since the tire size and air space are a known quantity, Honda determines the resonance frequency for that particular Honda wheel. The acoustic Honda wheel resonator cancels out that frequency, thus suppressing pipe resonance.
Honda uses Helmholtz resonance concepts
The resonator works by using a phenomenon called Helmholtz resonance, which is the same principle that makes a sound when you blow across the top of an empty bottle. The shape and size of the resonator determine the frequency of the sound it produces.
By matching the frequency of the resonator with the frequency of the tire cavity noise, the resonator cancels out the noise by creating a sound wave that is opposite in phase. This is called destructive interference, and it results in a quieter and smoother rideThe Helmholtz resonance concept is found in vehicle exhaust systems to eliminate the droning sound. For more information on Helmholtz resonance, see this article.
To reduce tire noise, Honda designed a plastic wheel resonator that wraps around inside rim. The acoustic dampener generates the same frequency as the pipe resonance generated by the tire.
When the tire noise is generated, the dampener resonates at the same frequency, causing the air disturbance near the vents to pass through and cancel out the pipe resonance sound.
How the Honda wheel resonator is attached to the rim
The resonators are made from lightweight resin and are snapped into the rim structure without using any bolts or adhesives. Honda also relies on Centrifugal force to secure the resonators to the wheel more firmly.
The resonator isn’t serviceable or even replaceable. If one is damaged, you must replace the wheel. It can be cleaned however and must be cleaned if you ever use tire sealant for a flat tire.
©, 2023 Rick Muscoplat