AIP supplies modular all-wheel drive roller test bench for BMW aeroacoustic wind tunnel
A novel aeroacoustic wind tunnel has been built at the BMW Group's Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Munich – one of the largest and quietest in the world, designed specifically for analyzing wind and rolling noise under real driving conditions. The central component of this facility is an acoustically optimized, modular, all-wheel-drive roller test bench supplied by AIP, which is used in combination with a turntable, an integrated vehicle lift, and interchangeable floor segments. This solution enables high-precision acoustic measurements with real driving dynamics directly in the wind tunnel.
Aeroacoustic vehicle development under real driving conditions
With the new aeroacoustic wind tunnel at the Research and Innovation Center (FIZ) in Munich, the BMW Group has created one of the most advanced facilities in the world for precisely analyzing wind and rolling noise from vehicles. Aeroacoustic effects are becoming increasingly important, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles, as drive noise is increasingly fading into the background.
The aim of the project was therefore to develop a test bench solution that replicates real driving conditions in the wind tunnel as closely as possible while meeting the highest acoustic requirements.
The central challenge was to be able to measure wind and rolling noise not separately, but combined and synchronously – under reproducible conditions and with maximum flexibility in terms of vehicle position, angle of attack, and driving speed. At the same time, the test bench technology itself had to operate extremely quietly so as not to influence sensitive measurements.
The aim of the project was therefore to develop a test bench solution that replicates real driving conditions in the wind tunnel as closely as possible while meeting the highest acoustic requirements.
The central challenge was to be able to measure wind and rolling noise not separately, but combined and synchronously – under reproducible conditions and with maximum flexibility in terms of vehicle position, angle of attack, and driving speed. At the same time, the test bench technology itself had to operate extremely quietly so as not to influence sensitive measurements.
Modular all-wheel drive roller dynamometer as the heart of the wind tunnel
AIP supplied a fully integrated test bench solution consisting of a modular all-wheel roller test bench, a large turntable with integrated vehicle lift, and interchangeable floor segments. All components were specially designed for use in the aeroacoustic wind tunnel and acoustically optimized.
Key technical features:
- 9-meter turntable for precise positioning of the vehicle relative to the wind flow (± 20°)
- High angular accuracy of < 0.05° with very low inherent noise level (~ 35 dB(A))
- All-wheel roller test bench with four individual rollers (Ø approx. 1.91 m), each driven separately
- Water-cooled, soundproofed electric motors to minimize test bench noise
- ISO 10844-compliant road surface on the rollers for realistic reproduction of rolling noise
- Modular floor system that allows quick configuration changes between different measurement setups
Holistic aeroacoustic analysis in a measurement setup
With the test bench technology implemented by AIP, BMW has a highly integrated solution that enables simultaneous investigation of wind and road noise in a single measurement run. Driving conditions up to 250 km/h can be simulated realistically, including lateral airflow, without having to move the vehicle or change test setups.
The modular design provides exceptional flexibility for future requirements, new vehicle concepts, and different measurement programs. At the same time, the acoustic optimization of all drive components ensures that even the smallest noise sources can be detected with precision.
In summary, the solution offers:
- Realistic driving dynamics simulation directly in the aeroacoustic wind tunnel
- Combined measurement of wind and rolling noise under precisely defined conditions
- High reproducibility and comparability of measurement results
- Future-proof, modular test bench technology for changing development requirements