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Аналитическая статья

Predict system NVH performance early in the design using virtual prototyping

Component-based transfer path analysis (TPA) is a virtual prototyping methodology to characterize noise source components independently from the receiver structure. It allows you to predict system NVH performance before the first prototype is built.

In hybrid and electric vehicles, drivetrain noise is less prominent. This makes noises from auxiliary systems more noticeable. Contrary to traditional TPA, component-based TPA is a noise source identification methodology that pays particular attention to components rather than the assembled product.

This white paper describes how to detect potential component NVH performance issues and optimize your system design early in the development.


Apply component-based TPA to improve system NVH performance

When developing complex products involving many assemblies, noise and vibration problems might be discovered late in the design process. Once integrated into the full system, the different components (mechanical, electrical, etc.) tend to interact with each other, making it particularly difficult to pinpoint which component causes the poor NVH performance.

Process innovations such as virtual prototyping allow building vehicle models from new and existing sub-systems and components to predict NVH behavior earlier in the design cycle. Manufacturers apply component-based TPA as noise source identification technology for two main reasons:

  1. Predict system-level NVH performance based on individual component testing
  2. Set realistic component targets

Download the white paper and understand how to characterize source components independently from the receiver structure by a set of blocked forces and predict its behavior when coupled to different receivers.

Take advantage of virtual prototyping and build your own NVH knowledge base

Simcenter virtual prototyping solutions support building a knowledge base to maximize the usage of available NVH data. This knowledge base is accessible to everyone at OEMs and the entire supply chain:

  • Experts, for handling the complexity of components and subsystems. The data is synthesized in such a way that it can be used for a variety of NVH performance evaluations before physical prototype assessment
  • Analysts, for consuming available expert component data for NVH prediction of virtual vehicle assemblies and different alternatives at any development stage

NVH performance matters across all application domains

High-quality NVH performance is a concern for manufacturers across all industries. Manufacturers dealing with various configurations or complex products involving many subassemblies (such as cars, trucks, excavators, helicopters, aircraft, satellites, white goods, etc.) can benefit from applying this noise source identification approach.

In this document, the different steps of the component-based TPA process are illustrated on a wiper e-motor. First, the e-motor was characterized independently using different techniques (e.g. blocked force and free velocities). In a second step, assembly predictions were made using substructuring techniques that can help accelerate engineering decisions.

In the automotive sector, end-of-line testing uses vibroacoustic measurements to accurately identify the properties of every produced component and determine if the product has any defect. Read this white paper to learn how to implement a 100% NVH-based quality inspection system and systematically improve overall product and manufacturing quality.

What is component-based TPA?

Transfer path analysis (TPA) is a methodology for mathematically evaluating noise contributions from the source to the receiver. In contrast, component-based TPA is a virtual prototyping methodology to characterize noise source components independently from the receiver structure. Unlike traditional TPA, component-based TPA is a noise source identification methodology that pays particular attention to components rather than the assembled product. Automotive manufacturers can apply component-based TPA as noise source identification technology to predict vehicle system-level NVH performance based on individual component testing and set realistic component targets. Component-based TPA aims to identify the independent source loads from test rig data and combine them with a receiving structure to predict NVH performance in a virtually assembled configuration.

Accurately predict NVH performance before the first vehicle prototype is built

As a result of electrification, the automotive industry faces more complex products and an increasing number of vehicle models due to the variety of powertrain options. When developing complex products involving many assemblies, NVH issues are unfortunately often only discovered late in the design process. Different components interact once integrated into the full system, making it difficult to pinpoint which part is causing poor NVH performance. This concept of virtual prototyping using component-based TPA enables a quick assessment of many design variants and permanent proactive control of the NVH performance. It allows early detection of potential NVH issues and system optimization before building the first physical prototype, where the impact and cost of making modifications are still limited.

Demonstrating the component-based TPA process with an e-motor application case

Component-based TPA explicitly uses the concept of blocked forces to characterize active components independently of their integrated system application to allow active and passive components to assemble and analyze the noise contributions from active components in the whole system. This white paper uses an e-motor application case to illustrate the different steps of the component-based TPA process. In the first step, the e-motor is characterized independently according to ISO 20270: indirect measurement of blocked forces and ISO 9611: measurement of free velocities. Next, assembly predictions are made using substructuring techniques that can help accelerate engineering decisions. Finally, the target response is predicted to assess the performance of the engine component in the new assembly using blocked forces, free velocities, and ISO 21955.

Continue reading the white paper to learn more about component-based TPA solutions that help automotive manufacturers meet NVH design targets for all vehicle variants while controlling development time and cost.

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