Acoustic cabin comfort
The ONDROVE project has focused on one area of motor vehicle design that makes a significant difference in end-of-line sales price. The interior acoustic performance of vehicles is a quality issue that can't be ignored. No one likes to drive in a noisy car in which every ping, rattle, clank, squeak and bang can be heard. Noise transmission occurs through a variety of mediums; from road interactions, from the engine, from cabin and aerodynamic sources and as well as from structurally borne din. Current design testing methods to eliminate and reduce the noise levels from these sources are time consuming and costly. New simulation software, designed for integration at the immediate first stages of design can predict the variety of cacophonic resonance sources a vehicle may be subject too. The software is capable of analysing the internal disturbances due to the tyre-road interaction, the suspension system performance, engine noise and even the aerodynamics acting on the vehicle body itself. Incorporated into the software package is the means to facilitate the simulation of vehicle body trimmings and performance over a variety of road conditions such that it can predict the vibration levels that lead to noise generation. Additionally, the software aims at addressing the weakness of current prediction methods that do not generate real behavioural data or translate these performance statistics into specifications at the component level. Indeed, the ONDROVE project also aimed at identifying the most important design parameters, which affected the overall noise levels. As such, the final product is not merely a software solution, but an entirely revamped engineering procedure based on the Finite Element Methods and Fluid Structure Interaction. This allows vehicle designers to gather an accurate idea of acoustic performance of a new design right at the initial concept phase and removes the extensive costs involved with acoustic testing. Better design methods means better vehicular products, better sound performance and better driving experience.
