J1074 MAY2014
SURFACE VEHICLE
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE Issued 1974-07
Stabilized 2014-05
Superseding J1074 FEB2000
Engine Sound Level Measurement Procedure
RATIONALE
This document has been determined to contain basic and stable technology which is not dynamic in nature.
STABILIZED NOTICE
This document has been declared "Stabilized" by the SAE Light Vehicle Exterior Sound Level Standards Committee and
will no longer be subjected to periodic reviews for currency. Users are responsible for verifying references and continued
suitability of technical requirements. Newer technology may exist.
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Foreword—This Reaffirmed Document has been changed only to reflect the new SAE Technical Standards Board
Format. References were changed to Section 2. All other section numbers have changed accordingly.
1. Scope—This SAE Recommended Practice sets forth the equipment, environment, and test procedures to be
used in measuring sound levels of engines. The purpose is to provide a uniform method of measuring the
maximum acoustical radiation from the exterior surfaces of an engine under representative engine operating
conditions. The measured sound levels will be useful in development of engines, comparison of engines, and
installation of engines in various applications. The correlation of the measured engine sound levels to the
various application sound levels will have to be developed.
2. References
2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of the specification to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the latest revision of SAE publications shall apply.
2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATION—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
SAE J184 FEB87—Qualifying a Sound Data Acquisition System
2.1.2 ANSI PUBLICATIONS—Available from ANSI, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036-8002.
ANSI S1.4-1983 and S1.4A-1985—Specification for Sound Level Meters
ANSI S1.11-1986—Octave, Half-Octave, and Third-Octave Band Filter Sets
2.1.3 OTHER PUBLICATION
Leo L. Beranek, “Noise and Vibration Control,” New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1971, Chap. 9.
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Copyright SAE International Order Number: 02351127
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3. Engine Classifications
3.1 Bare Engine—An engine equipped with only the built-in accessories essential to its operation, such as
flywheel, fuel pump, oil pump, water pump, and intake and exhaust manifolds. The sound from the exhaust,
intake, flywheel housing opening, test stand, and dynamometer shall be minimized in order to measure the
sound level of the basic or bare engine: although for aircooled engines where the cooling air flows from the
flywheel housing opening, the flywheel housing opening should not be covered. The exhaust and intake
sounds shall be minimized by using remote mufflers and air cleaners, with heavy, acoustically treated piping to
bare engine manifolds. Watercooled engines should not use a cooling fan. Isolation type engine mounts
should be used to minimize the vibrations to the engine test equipment.
3.2 Fully Equipped Engine—An engine equipped with all mounted accessories necessary to perform its intended
function unaided. The accessories shall be specified and described. If the sound from the exhaust, intake,
and cooling systems are included, the systems should be specified and described. The sound from the
flywheel housing opening, test stand, and dynamometer shall be minimized: although for aircooled engines
where the cooling air flows from the flywheel housing opening, the flywheel housing opening should not be
covered. The effect of the cooling fan airflow on the microphone should also be minimized (see 8.3).
4. Instrumentation—The following instrumentation shall be used, where applicable, for the measurement
required:
4.1 A sound level meter which meets the Type 1 or S1A requirements of American National Standard Specification
for Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1983 and S1.4A-1985.
4.2 An octave band filter set which meets the Class II requirements of American National Standard Specifications
for Octave, Half-Octave, and Third-Octave Band Filter Sets, S1.11-1986.
4.3 As an alternative to making direct measurements using a sound level meter and octave band analyzer, a
microphone or sound level meter may be used with a magnetic tape recorder and/or a graphic level recorder or
other indicating instrument, providing the system meets the requirements of SAE J184 FEB87, Qualifying a
Sound Data Acquisition System.
4.4 An acoustic calibrator (see 8.4).
4.5 An engine speed indicator, accurate to ±1% or ±10 rpm, whichever is greater.
4.6 An anemometer (if outside tests are being performed).
4.7 A windscreen may be used (see 8.3). The windscreen must not affect the microphone response more than
±1 dB for the frequencies of 20 to 4000 Hz or ±1-1/2 dB for frequencies of 4000 to 10 000 Hz.
5. Environment—The engine sound levels shall be measured in an environment such that results are equivalent
to those obtained in a free field above a reflecting plane. Measurements may be made at a flat open space or
in a calibrated acoustically treated test cell.
5.1 If a flat open space is used, it shall be free of the effect of large reflecting surfaces, such as signboards,
buildings, or hillsides located within 30.4 m (100 ft) of either the engine or microphone. The surface within
15.2 m (50 ft) of either the engine or microphone shall be free from snow, grass, loose soil, or other acoustical
absorption materials. The area directly between the engine and the microphone shall be concrete, non-porous
or sealed asphalt paving extending at least 3.0 m (10 ft) in all directions from the line between the engine and
the microphone.
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5.2 If an acoustically treated test cell is used, it must be calibrated for comparison to the flat open space for each
octave band, A-weighted, and linear (or C-weighted) sound pressure level. The measurements from test cells
and outdoor test sites may not be directly comparable without a correction factor, because of a reverberant
sound field contribution to the test cell measurements. The test cell correction factor and method of
determining the correction factor should be reported with the measured engine sound levels (see 2.1.3).
5.3 The ambient sound pressure levels (including wind effects) coming from sources other than the engine being
measured shall be at least 10 dB below the level of the tested engine.
5.4 Because bystanders have an appreciable influence on meter response when they are in the vicinity of the
engine or microphone, not more than one person, other than the observer reading the meter, shall be present,
and that person shall be directly behind the observer reading the meter, on a line through the microphone and
the observer. If the meter operator or engine/dynamometer operator are in the test cell, they should be to the
rear of the engine or at the maximum allowable distance from the engine or microphones.
6. Measurements
6.1 The microphone shall be located 1.0 m (3.3 ft) from the longitudinal centers of the vertical planes forming the
smallest rectangle which completely encloses the bare engine. Measurements shall be made on both sides
and in front of the engine at the height of the exhaust manifold, but not less than 1.0 m (3.3 ft) above the floor.
A survey of the A-weighted sound level shall be made at this microphone height and distance from the
rectangular box. If the survey indicates a reading(s) more than 3 dB above the highest reading at the three
specified locations, the sound level at this location(s) shall be also reported. The microphone positions thus
referred to the bare engine shall be used for tests on fully equipped engines.
6.1.1 If the flat open space is used for optional correlation with most of the SAE sound level measurements of
vehicles, additional sound measurements may be made with the microphone located at a height of 1.2 m
(4 ft) above the surface and at 15.2 m (50 ft) from the center of the engine.
6.1.2 If the flat open space is used for optional correlation with most ISO sound level measurements, additional
sound measurements may be made with the microphone located at a height of 1.2 m (4 ft) and 7.5 m (25 ft)
from the center of the engine or 7.0 m (23 ft) from major surfaces.
6.2 The sound level meter or other indicating instrument shall be set for slow response. At each of the microphone
locations, the following measurements shall be made:
a. The sound level using the A-weighting network.
b. The sound pressure level using the linear or C-weighting network; the network used shall be reported.
c. The octave band sound pressure levels for center frequencies of 63 to 8000 Hz at the microphone
location having the highest A-weighted sound level, as determined in 6.1.
d. The reported data shall be identified as to the microphone location.
The reported sound pressure level shall be the average of two or more readings that are within 2 dB of each
other.
7. Engine Operation—The engine shall be previously checked for rated performance and proper tune-up and
shall be operated at the following steady conditions after reaching normal operating conditions:
a. Rated speed and load.
b. For governed engines, maximum governed speed at no load; for ungoverned engines, rated speed at
no load.
c. Speed and load resulting in peak torque.
d. Recommended low idle speed.
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Copyright SAE International Order Number: 02351127
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8. General Comments
8.1 It is essential that technically trained personnel select the equipment and that the tests be conducted only by
persons trained in the current techniques of sound measurement.
8.2 Instrument manufacturer’s specifications for orientation of the microphone relative to the source of sound and
the location of the observer relative to the meter should be followed. The microphone or sound level meter
temperatures should be monitored to prevent overheating from the exhaust manifold.
8.3 It is recommended that measurements be made only when wind speed is below 19 km/h (12 mph). The
microphone windscreen may be used to minimize the effects of wind gusts and other changes in wind velocity.
8.4 Instrument manufacturer’s recommended calibration should be made at appropriate times. Field calibrations
should be made immediately before and after each test sequence. Either an external calibration or internal
calibration means is acceptable for field use, provided that external calibration is accomplished before or after
the field test.
8.5 If a tape recorder is used, record a calibration tone of a known sound pressure level on the tape, using the
same microphone and the same recorder attenuation settings immediately before and after the series of
recordings.
8.6 The sound level of a diesel engine may be dependent on the fuel’s cetane level. A diesel fuel with a cetane
number between 42 and 50 is recommended. For gasoline-fueled engines, a fuel grade consistent with the
engine manufacturer’s recommendations should be used.
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PREPARED BY THE SAE VEHICLE SOUND LEVEL COMMITTEE
Copyright SAE International Order Number: 02351127
Provided by IHS Markit under license with SAE Sold to:FEV INDIA PVT. LTD. [700166108982] - TARAS@[Link],
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