Analysis and improvement of the acoustic conditions during ambulance transports: Master Thesis
Authors
Martin Oddershede, Jens ; Aarup Mikaelsen, Mark
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2009
Abstract
This project measures, analyzes, and proposes improvements to the noise environment inside a Danish ambulance (model year 2008) during emergency response. A series of tests was carried out, and the results were used to define key parameters that describe the vehicle’s acoustic behavior. The highest average sound level recorded during emergency driving was 68.2 dB(A), expressed as LAeq,1s (an A-weighted one-second equivalent level that reflects human hearing). The main external noise source was road and wheel noise, while inside the cabin the dominant source was vibrating medical equipment. The study shows that external noise can be reduced by using thicker windows and by insulating the doors and body with 25 mm glass wool. Internal noise from vibrating equipment can be lowered by improving the suspension system, the equipment mountings, or both. Additional ideas include better door-closing mechanisms and reducing the siren noise heard inside. The report also suggests several topics for future studies.
Dette projekt måler, analyserer og foreslår forbedringer af støjforholdene i en dansk ambulance (modelår 2008) under udrykning. En række tests blev gennemført, og resultaterne blev brugt til at beskrive centrale akustiske parametre for køretøjet. Det højeste gennemsnitlige lydniveau under udrykningskørsel var 68,2 dB(A), angivet som LAeq,1s (et A-vægtet ét-sekunds gennemsnitsniveau, der afspejler menneskets hørelse). Den vigtigste eksterne støjkilde var vej- og hjulstøj, mens den dominerende interne kilde var vibrerende medicinsk udstyr. Undersøgelsen viser, at ekstern støj kan reduceres ved at øge rudetykkelsen og isolere døre og karrosseri med 25 mm glasuld. Intern støj fra vibrerende udstyr kan mindskes ved at forbedre affjedringssystemet, udstyrsmontagerne eller begge dele. Yderligere tiltag omfatter forbedrede dørlukkemekanismer og at dæmpe sirenestøjen, der høres inde i bilen. Rapporten peger også på flere mulige emner for fremtidige undersøgelser.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords