Experimental characterization of the vibro-acoustic behaviour of a washing machine

n this paper the vibro-acoustic behaviour of a washing machine is deeply investigated, focusing on the mechanical noise sources. At first, a complete modal analysis of the cabinet is performed to define the vibration modes; then all the mechanical components (springs, dampers) are studied in order to understand the origin of the forces giving birth to the cabinet vibrations and to the corresponding emitted noise. To better understand the dynamic behaviour of the washer, the movements of the whole oscillating group were measured during different kinds of washing cycles, pointing out the critical phases. A large database containing all this information has been collected, and this will be the starting point for the development of a numerical model of the machine aimed at testing new solutions to reduce the emitted noise