Conceptual Design Model of Road Noise on Automotive Bodies in White Based on Energy Propagation

Abstract

In the development of machine products such as automobiles, it is important to specify the required performance in early design stages. We are thus developing a mathematically formulated functional model for road-noise problems based on analytical statistical energy analysis (ASEA).

ASEA is a method for predicting mid- and high-frequency noise and vibration transmission through large, complex systems by considering vibration energy propagation through the system, which is viewed as an aggregate of simple parts. Energies are formulated with parameters governing vibration energy propagation, which are calculated from fundamental system information.

This study considers automotive bodies in white, represented as SEA plates. Subsystem energies as calculated by ASEA are compared with those by Finite Element Method, demonstrating prediction validity with the ASEA model. We optimize for lower vibration using ASEA and obtain a concept for it, then redesign the target based on the proposed concept. We demonstrate that vibration in the redesigned body is smaller at all frequencies.