Final answer:
Engineers use Fourier analysis to analyze and interpret vehicle exhaust and identify potential engine issues. They record the engine sound, analyze frequencies with large amplitudes, and compare them to the parts list to find a resonating part. Changes in material composition or length may be necessary to correct the problem.
Step-by-step explanation:
To analyze and interpret vehicle exhaust to detect and diagnose potential engine issues, engineers use a technique called Fourier analysis. They record the sound produced by the engine using microphones and then analyze the frequencies of sound produced with large amplitudes. By looking at the parts list of the automobile, they can identify a part that would resonate at that frequency, indicating a potential problem. The solution may involve changing the composition of the material used or altering the length of the part.