DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS

Project Description Using design sensitivity analysis and optimization techniques, minimize vehicle weight while satisfying ride quality by reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (defined as response to impact loading). Analysis Model Shell elements were used to model the automotive body # of elements: over 75,000 # degrees of freedom: over 500,000 Analysis: Linear modal superposition method with MOTRAN & NASTRAN Loading: Prescribed displacements at the engine mounts and tires

DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (cont)

Design Variables Design variables are gauges of 150 body sheet metals Cost Function Cost function is the weight of the body Constraints Constraints are noise level at the driver and passenger ears Results The weight of the vehicle was reduced, while noise level was decreased. Ford built several vehicles and carried out proving ground tests to validate the optimum results.

DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS

Wheel Displacements

NASTRAN Trim Body Model

Body Modes

MOTRAN Total Vehicle System Model 80 Hz Frequency

Body Modifications Thickness of Panels Using Optimization

Design Sensitivity Analysis: 1. Sensitivity Coefficients 2. Sensitivity Distribution Plots

SENSITIVITY AND OPTIMIZATION

FORD VALIDATION OF SIMULATION-BASED DESIGN