Golf cart noise and vibration troubleshooting

This paper focuses on the power train source and describes the combined efforts of HBK Engineering Services and a golf cart manufacturer to identify opportunities within two different product types to improve the noise and vibration signature. The main goal was to reduce the overall sound pressure level as much as possible.

The most objectionable operating condition identified for further troubleshooting was the full-throttle start from standstill. For the operational data, baseline measurements on the golf cart were made outdoors in a parking lot, in a grass lot and up a grassy hill. As the NVH performance was similar for all operating conditions, the parking lot was chosen for ease of access. To evaluate potential countermeasures, the vehicle was operated on a hemi-anechoic chassis dynamometer to ensure repeatability. The investigations were used to identify design recommendations, providing the manufacturer with several opportunities to improve both product and customer experience.