Noise, vibration, harshness

Ricardo’s cross-discipline expertise in Noise, Vibration and Harshness, powertrain technologies and integration ensures future vehicles will meet customer demands. Our state-of-the-art simulation and test facilities support a more efficient route to market. 

Ricardo’s cross-discipline expertise in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), powertrain technologies and integration ensures future vehicles will meet customer demands. Our state-of-the-art simulation and test facilities support a more efficient route to market. 

Ricardo has been a leader in NVH development and harshness for over 50 years. We deliver class leading NVH solutions to meet the exacting requirements of our customers and product legislation. We provide a range of services including the development of systems for electric vehicles.

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Projects

David Valantin Leading Lights Award 2023

David Valantin wins Ricardo Leading Lights award for commercialising sustainable hydrogen technologies for shipping

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Alexandre Ricardo Aerospace Canada

How the aerospace industry is working towards a sustainable, zero-emissions future

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Traffic On Road At Night Long Exposure

Countdown begins to Ricardo’s Global Mobility Summit 2023

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Ricardo's expertise

Ricardo’s cross discipline expertise in NVH, powertrain technologies and integration ensures clients’ future vehicles meet the demands of their customers.

From product concept development through to production, we deliver class leading NVH solutions to meet the exacting requirements of our customers and product legislation. 

Ricardo’s NVH process ensure consideration at all stages of product development. Model based analysis tools are used to front load NVH optimisation, balance, and other fast track project delivery. 

NVH is evaluated against scatter bands and targets based on an extensive database to support benchmarking of class leading powertrains, including ICE, hybrid, and full electric.

Utilising Ricardo’s in-house test facilities, we can accurately measure NHV phenomena for efficient benchmarking, development testing and validation

Facilities comprise three powertrain semi-anechoic test cells, vehicle anechoic test facility (modal analysis room, vehicle workshop and semi-anechoic chassis dyno) exterior noise track and listening room (multi-media suite).

The RAS-R system provides electronic augmentation of internal combustion or electric power unit sound quality using live streaming authentic sound sources, rich in genuine information content.

The live authentic sound linked directly to the xEV powertrain to deliver an interior driver experience in line with brand expectation, whilst ensuring exterior pedestrian safety requirements are met. The system integrates multiple authentic sound layers to build a sound signature that signals the cars operating status.

Within the rail sector, we provide clients with NVH support and analysis from early design stages through to emerging in-service issues. Previous assignments include helping a global rolling stock manufacturer comply with noise and vibration regulations in local markets, and advising the US Federal Railroad Administration on comparitive international high-speed noise reduction measures.

Motorcycle Nvh Testing

Why Ricardo for noise, vibration and harshness solutions?

Well defined processes

With over 40 years of NVH testing experience, Ricardo has developed well defined processes for hybrid and electrified vehicle and powertrain NVH analysis, drawing on gained experience to support the needs of clients.

Test, analysis and benchmarking

Utilising state of the art facilities, including three flexible powertrain semi-anechoic test cells, Ricardo supports testing across road - including passenger and heavy duty vehicles - aerospace, marine and rolling stock.

Extensive capabilities

Ricardo provides NVH simulation capabilities including intake and exhaust, base engine, powertrain mounting, driveline, e-machine, pass-by, road noise and gear whine

Noise, vibration, harshness Resources

Hazardous Materials Advisor - June 2025

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ChemUK 2025

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Hazmat 2025: the ultimate forum for hazmat professionals

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Hazardous Materials First Responder

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Meet the experts

Matt Beasley

Matt Beasley

President Engine and Driveline Solutions

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Simon Tate

Simon Tate

Capability Head Attributes

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