Modelling of the contribution of noise, vibration and thermal stimuli to discomfort for aircraft passengers

Future aircraft designs will more sustainable and reduce environmental emissions. Turboprop aircraft can be 60% more fuel efficient in comparison to jet aircrafts but have high vibration and noisier cabins, thus affecting the comfort perception of aircraft passengers. The nature of the noise and vibration is highly tonal and therefore different to that previously studied. This paper presents the development of a multifactorial model of the human comfort in response to noise, vibration, and thermal stimuli. Data were obtained through a laboratory study where the temperature, noise and vibration were adjusted. A model is generated that allows for mapping of the relative importance of the modalities.