Turbocharger-Airflow Noise Using Temperature-Sensitive Paint

Turbochargers are widely used in automotive internal combustion engines to improve power output while reducing CO₂ emissions. However, the operation of the turbocharger can cause aerodynamic noise, and the mechanism behind this has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the turbocharger-induced aerodynamic noise has been elucidated through collaborative research among Subaru, Chiba University, and the University of Notre Dame. Subaru and Chiba University performed discrete pressure measurements at the turbocharger inlet and inside, while the University of Notre Dame extracted spatiotemporal temperature information from the airflow field using temperature-sensitive paint (TSP). This paper focuses on implementing a TSP measurement environment aimed at elucidating the mechanism behind turbocharger aerodynamic noise, and reports on the current status of this collaborative research.