This paper summarizes the development of a predictive vibro-acoustic full vehicle model of a mid-size sedan and focuses on the engineering analysis procedures used to evaluate the design performance related to engine-induced noise and vibration during the drawing stage of development. The vehicle model is comprised of a mixture of test-based and finite element component models. FRF-based substructuring is used to join these models. The virtual car model is loaded with engine forces resulting from indirect force identification. This force-set includes combustion, inertia, piston slap and crank bearing forces for engine harmonics from the 0.5 to 10th order. Analysis of this model yields predictions of vibration levels for every component and every interface between components, and of interior noise. The objective is to provide the vehicle NVH engineer with the capability to identify major causes for peak noise levels, to set targets and to develop action plans for every component design team. Having such information at any design stage will effectively reduce both the design cycle duration and the number of physical prototypes.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.13 No.2 (195 - 204)