Brüel & Kjær

1970s – Parallel analyzers, including the first analyzer using digital filters

1980s – The first instrument for sound intensity measurement; dual channel FFT analyzers

1990s – Multichannel and multi-analysis systems, including acoustical holography array systems

2000s – Surface microphones, LAN-XI modular data acquisition hardware and TEDS, Dyn-X, REq-X technologies

Markets

Aero engines

Brüel & Kjær (now HBK) provides tools to overcome noise and vibration challenges. These ensure the quality of new lighter material applications by modal testing and improving the quality and test efficiency in aero engines. Systems include those for development and measurement of new noise-optimised engines, acoustic lining designs and propagation code validation (engine duct modal analysis, far-field noise measurement, and acoustic panel in situ impedance measurement)

It also supplies in-flight engine monitoring with flight-certified, high-temperature accelerometers.

Aerospace

Brüel & Kjær supplies data acquisition systems and vibration test systems (LDS) to customers in the aerospace industry, such as the LDS V994 shaker, used to test NASA's Mars Curiosity rover. Other systems have tested Astrium's satellite prior to launch, and performed qualification and acceptance testing, such as the integrated LAN-XI data acquisition systems used by the National Institute for Space Research in Brazil INPE. Main customers in this field are Airbus, Aircraft Strength Research Institute, Boeing, EADS, Eurocopter, Rolls-Royce, and Sukhoi.

Acoustic stealth discretion

The company supplies systems for noise signature management: acoustic ranging of submarines and surface ships; noise source investigation during design and build; acoustic trials and self-noise monitoring during operations. It also supplies systems for underwater acoustics, shock testing, noise and vibration testing and structural dynamics testing.

Identifying noise sources

Brüel & Kjær makes several products in audio measurement, ranging from simple sound level measurements to sophisticated microphone array systems using advanced algorithms and hardware. These products are provided for air-vehicle noise certification, exterior noise analysis such as fly-over testing using acoustic holography, beamforming, SONAH and high-temperature sensors, noise source identification to examine, for example, ramp noise or sonic booms, microphone calibration systems and more.

Maintaining operational integrity

The company provides products that aid preventative maintenance and manufacturer-specified checks to prolong the health of engines. Real-time multi-analysis capabilities reduce the number of run‑ups/‑downs and gather more data faster for analyses ranging from simple pass-fail overall measurements to in-depth advanced analysis in order to maximize the up-time of aircraft. It offers high-temperature accelerometers that can monitor the health of operational machinery for maintenance, repair and overhaul tasks such as balancing, trim balancing, on-ground engine vibration checks, vibration diagnostics and re-run production tests using real-time analysis. Furthermore, it provides monitoring systems for engines and gearboxes with permanently placed HUMS sensors and signal conditioners for extreme environments.

Environmental noise impact testing and monitoring

Brüel & Kjær supplies systems for occupational health, helmet/cabin/cockpit noise assessment, acoustic and human vibration monitoring, urban noise monitoring and noise-mapping of vehicles in order to test and monitor the environmental noise impact, and to look for ways of reducing environmental noise impact on armed forces personnel and local communities. These activities include helmet/cabin/cockpit noise assessment, human acoustic and vibration monitoring, urban, airport, industrial and construction noise monitoring, and vehicle noise mapping.

Wind tunnel testing

Since wind tunnel and test track measurements are often the only way to recreate real-world conditions for model and mule car testing, and are also a good method of validating simulated model data, Brüel & Kjær tries to provide measurement devices that focus on these types of tests, for specific needs so that they can perform vehicle pass-by noise contribution studies for cars, trucks and trains, location of high-frequency engine noise sources, and wind-tunnel measurements. Surface microphones mounted on the exterior of a vehicle measure the pressure fluctuations at different positions of the vehicle without drilling holes. Beamforming can be used for noise mapping at a distance from large objects. The data for all points is acquired in a single measurement, saving time and effort.

Setting targets

Brüel & Kjær provide the tools for recording, analysing, auditioning, dissecting, and synthesising sounds. The range enables the use of simulation models and test data to develop modifications to improve the sound quality and to achieve the ultimate objective of designing the desired sound characteristics into the product.

Benchmarking

Brüel & Kjær has developed an NVH tool for surreptitious recording and analysis called SoNoScout. It can be carried in the tester's pocket on a train or bus without distracting the passengers or in a competitor's vehicle where it can be combined with a GPS unit to generate a map of the test route, measure speed and even generate an RPM profile. The software runs on a PDA with microphones binaurally mounted on a headset for quick recording.

Telecom and audio

Brüel & Kjær provides products to telecom and audio customers – from transducers to measurement, analysis and reporting for evaluation of electroacoustic devices:

A dedicated platform that includes couplers, microphones, amplifiers, analyzers, calibrators, sound sources, and measurement and analysis software.

Specialised standards-based telephone test systems for all communication technologies, including GSM, UMTS, AMPS, CDMA, W-CDMA, Bluetooth and VoIP.

Exceptional ear and mouth simulators.

Advanced material testing, modal analysis, sound quality and environmental procedures for development, benchmarking, production and quality assurance testing.