Glass and exterior panel design for low noise transmission

Abstract

A noise insulating support panel is provided for a structural assembly and includes a base substrate component and at least one localized stiffening reinforcement feature. The reinforcement feature generally extends across the base substrate component in a length direction aligned with, i.e., substantially parallel to, or substantially perpendicular to, a direction of airflow exhibiting turbulent pressure onto the base substrate component. The reinforcement feature cooperates with the base substrate component to minimize energy transmission through the base substrate component. If the base substrate component is a body panel, the reinforcement feature may be a stiffening rib member; if laminated glass, the reinforcement feature is located within an interlayer disposed between glass layers. The interlayer may include a first region including polyvinyl butyral having a first stiffness, and a second region including polyvinyl butyral having a second, lower stiffness. The reinforcement feature may also be an edge stiffening treatment.