Research is focused on :

• tyre/road contact noise

in particular the phenomena related to dynamic contact and air pumping. The objective is here to study and develop optimized road surfaces for noise.

• vehicle noise emission

associated with powered two-wheel vehicles, light vehicles, trucks and public transport. Research also include "innovative" vehicles (electric vehicles for example) which, in addition to specific emission equations, can also involve new operating and use modes, as well as specific sound sources (warning sounds, cooling systems...).

UMRAE is also focused on track-guided vehicles, whether intercity (trains) or urban ones (trams, metros). For several years now, the research unit enjoys a good position on:

• the modelling and the reduction of squeal noise (braking, in curves)

• the characterization and modelling of noise emission from railway vehicles

Beyond heavily urbanised areas, other noise sources are becoming a major issue nowadays.

This applies in particular to noise sources associated with new alternative energy sources, like wind turbines. New scientific knowledge is necessary to better assess possible environmental and health impacts following such installations, in order to support their development.

UMRAE conducts research on this specific topic of low-frequency noise sources, set at height and in motion.