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The demand to reduce noise in the passenger cars is increasing. Tire vibration characteristics must be considered when studying road noise because of the strong interaction between tire vibration characteristics and interior car noise. Car manufacturers are keenly interested in studies on the prediction of NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) performance, including viewing tires as substructure. Recently, studies have illustrated the effect that tire lateral bending mode have has on road noise, while most past studies of tire vibration focused on the circumference mode, which excited the vertical spindle force. Therefore, further study of tire lateral bending mode is necessary. Modeling of the tire lateral bending mode is described in this paper. First, lateral spindle force is measured under tire rolling conditions. Second, experimental modal analysis is performed to grasp tire lateral bending mode. Finally, a tire vibration model is built using the cylindrical shell theory.

Researches for automation of hydraulic excavators have been conducted for laborsaving, improved efficiency of operations and increased worker's safety improvement. Authors' final goal is to develop automatic digging system which can realize the high efficiency. Therefore, it is thought that appropriate digging control algorithm is important for the automation. For this goal, this paper shows a dynamics model of the backhoe excavator and simulations using such models. Detailed dynamic models are needed from the point of view of the control engineering. Authors evaluate effectiveness of automatic digging algorithm by simulation models. In this research, the linkage mechanism which contains the closed loops is modeled based on the Newton-Euler formulation, where motion equation is derived. Moreover, we apply a soil model for simulation, based on the two dimensional distinct element method (DEM), in order to reproduce reaction force from grounds.

Researches for automated construction machinery have been conducted for labor-saving, improved work efficiency and worker's safety, where a tracking control function was proposed as one of the key control system strategies for highly automated productive hydraulic excavators. An optimized digging trajectory that assures as much soils scooped as possible and less energy consumption is critical for an automated hydraulic excavator to improve work efficiency. Simulation models that we used to seek an optimized digging trajectory in this study consist of soil models and front linkage models of a hydraulic excavator. We developed two types of soil models. One is called wedge models used to calculate reaction forces from soils acting on a bucket during digging operation, based on the earth pressure theory. The other is called Distinct Element Method (DEM) model used to analyze soil behaviors and estimate amounts of soils scooped and reaction forces quantitatively.

This paper presents progressive techniques based on the previous SAE papers [1], [2] for vibration transmission analysis (VTA) on finite element (FE) model using Transfer Path Analysis (TPA). The techniques are: 1) a contribution calculation technique for structure with manifold and continuous transfer paths: 2) a visualization technique of the influence degree for efficient derivation of measures for response reduction. In VTA, influence degree of each DOF is calculated based on TPA. In order to understand characteristics of vibration transmission (VT) easily and visually by engineers, magnitude of influence degree is expressed by replacement to magnitude of displacement in the diagram of FE vibration shape. This visualization technique is applied to an automotive body structure. The proposed techniques are applied to automotive body structure consisting of members and panels. The members are such as pillars, cross members and side members, which are the main VT paths.

The demand for quieter vehicle interiors increases year after year. The dynamic force transmission of rolling tires from the road surface to the spindles is a critical factor in vehicle interior noise. We investigated the dynamic force transmission of a rolling tire as it relates to reducing vehicle interior noise. A test with a tire rolling over a cleat was conducted in order to measure the road forces and the spindle forces. The transfer function of the rolling tire was identified from the experimental results by applying multi dimensional spectral analysis. In addition, Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) technology has advanced recently. This enables prediction of spindle forces early in the design stage. One of the most important issues in predicting spindle forces accurately is to clarify the distribution of road forces. This paper also describes the distribution of the dynamic road forces of the rolling tire.

This paper describes how use of multi-objective optimization of pulsating noise and backpressure improved an exhaust silencer for diesel drive equipment. Low frequency pulsating noise and backpressure were simultaneously predicted using one-dimensional fluid dynamics and acoustic analysis by BEM. In addition, an experiment was done to investigate the relation between high frequency noise including flow-induced noise and the dimensions of perforations in silencer pipes. Finally, a prototype of the exhaust silencer was built and examined in order to confirm the effects of these design methods mentioned. As predicted, exhaust noise was reduced without increasing backpressure.

Improvement of vehicle interior noise is desired in recent years in the modern world of the demand of low weight, good fuel economy and offering technical advantages strongly. The dynamic force transmission of rolling tires from the road surface to the spindles is a critical factor in vehicle interior noise. We focus on structure-borne noise transferred through the spindle. It is necessary for effort of the effective tire/road noise reduction to predict spindle force excited by tire/road contact. The major issues in predicting spindle forces are to clarify the distribution of road forces and how to input on the simulation model. Therefore, it is important that road forces are measured accurately on the rolling tire. First, the dynamic road forces on the rolling tire are measured by using the tri-axial force sensor directly. In efforts to reduce interior noise due to structure-borne noise, it is necessary to predict spindle forces excited by the tire/road contact.

This paper describes the application of statistical energy analysis (SEA) to predicting sound power radiated from co-generation system enclosure. To predict vibration and noise accurately by using SEA, it is important to estimate parameter called loss factors. In this study, loss factors were estimated by power injection method. Next, the noise radiated from enclosure surface was predicted by the obtained vibration and radiation efficiency of enclosure panels. As a result, the calculated sound power was relatively corresponding to measured sound power. Finally, the sound power from modified enclosure was predicted. Coupling loss factors related to a modified subsystem were estimated by ratio of the number of structure modes. By using these steps, the noise from the system was reduced.

A high performance digging algorithm for a hydraulic excavator has not been established because the relationship between digging parameters and digging performance is complex. An examination process for a high-performance digging algorithm is proposed. In this paper, the digging efficiency is defined as the soil volume derived by the applied energy to drive the bucket in order to evaluate digging performance. The digging algorithm, which we study for high digging efficiency, decreases the reaction force to the bucket from the soil by moving the bucket upward when the reaction force exceeds a threshold during digging. Digging tests are performed with a miniature test device and a simulation model by two-dimensional distinct element methods (2D-DEM). The device and the simulation assess the effectiveness of the digging algorithm. It is quantitatively shown that the digging performance obtained by the feedback digging system is improved to prevent growing of reaction force.

This paper presents the analytical method of piston secondary motion with an experimental verification for a small gasoline engine. To analyze the vibration, a modeling of the piston secondary motion is carried out and numerical simulation is performed. In this method, both dynamic characteristics of the part of piston skirt and cylinder liner are taken into consideration. As compared the simulated results with the experimental results, the validity of presented model has been confirmed and this numerical model is effective to comprehend the piston slap secondary motion.

Generally, it is well known that road noise generated by vibration from automobile tires and suspensions can be reduced by changing the stiffness of the rubber mounts installed in the suspension systems. Such stiffness, however, is rarely changed to avoid riding discomfort and so on. In this paper, a stiffness optimization method for suspension system rubber mounts that reduces road noise, and improves riding comfort as well, is presented. In the process, Road Noise Contribution Analysis (RNCA) is applied to the target vehicle to specify the major factors of road noise. Furthermore, the suspension system of the vehicle is investigated by Sensitivity Analysis using Measured FRF data (SAMF) to identify the optimal stiffness combination of rubber mounts. As a result, an effective stiffness combination of two mounts is specified to reduce road noise and to improve riding comfort.

In a typical mechanical product such as an automobile or construction machinery, it is important to identify deformation modes, for which experiments and analyses can result in significant improvements. It is also important to consider how to improve the structure with high rigidity by using a technique such as the strain energy method in conventional design and development. However, the abovementioned method often generates conflicting results with regard to weight saving and cost reduction of development requirements. Transfer path analysis (TPA) using the finite element method (FEM) is an effective way to reduce noise and vibration in the automobile with respect to these issues. TPA can reveal the transfer path from the input to the response of the output point and the contribution of the path, and to efficiently consider improved responses.

The tire is one of the most important parts, which influence the noise, vibration, and harshness of the passenger cars. It is well known that effect of rotation influences tire vibration characteristics, and earlier studies presented formulas of tire vibration behavior. However, there are no studies of tire vibration including lateral vibration on effect of rotation. In this paper, we present new formulas of tire vibration on effect of rotation using a three-dimensional flexible ring model. The model consists of the cylindrical ring represents the tread and the springs represent the sidewall stiffness. The equation of motion of lateral, longitudinal, and radial vibration on the tread are derived based on the assumption of inextensional deformation. Many of the associated numerical parameters are identified from experimental tests.

To reduce tire/road noise, it is important to examine the noise generation mechanism. Noise generated by a rolling tire is mainly emitted from the tread block. However, it has recently been reported that smooth tires also generate noise recently. This paper remarks on a smooth tire vibration by rolling on the road. The vibration of a rolling smooth tire is mainly vibration excited from the road surface. It is difficult to measure the input from the road surface, so we measured the tire's vibration at the leading and trailing edges. Scan Laser Doppler Vibrometers were employed to measure the vibration of the tire tread.

This paper presents an analytical model for the prediction of piston secondary motion and the vibration due to piston slap. For the modeling of piston slap phenomenon, cylinder liner is modeled as a several spring-mass system that are connected by modal characteristics, and lubricant film between the piston and the cylinder is modeled as reaction force vectors which excite resonant mode of them. By comparing experimental results and analytical ones, the validity of the proposed model has been confirmed. The optimization of the piston skirt profile is also carried out with the analytical model, and it is confirmed that the round shape of the lower part of piston skirt is effective for the reduction of piston slap excitation.

In this paper, the modeling technique of the dynamic characteristics of the monocoque-type tractor frame, and the reduction technique of the noise and vibration of the tractor by the design modification of the frame are proposed. First, the vibration characteristics on each part of the tractor, and the noise characteristic in the cabin are measured. Secondly, the full-structure of the frame is separated into the sub-structures of cases and joint parts, and each one is modeled. Then, the model accuracy is improved by using the model tuning method with the sensitivity analysis. Finally, the design change of the frame is carried out with the object of increasing stiffness while reducing weight. As the result of this modification, the cabin noise level can be effectively suppressed about 4 [dB].

The purpose of this paper is to establish a method of predicting the noise and vibration of tractor cabins in the engine-idling state by using Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA). At first, an analytical model of a tractor cabin is constructed, and power flow equations are formulated for the tractor cabin. To solve these equations, SEA parameters are estimated experimentally and analytically. These parameters are the modal density, loss factor, coupling loss factor, and input power. With these parameters, the noise and vibration responses of the tractor cabin are calculated. Good agreements are found between the analytical and experimental data.

This paper describes the identification of a sound source model for diesel engines installed on agricultural machines by using Inverse-Numerical Acoustic (INA) analysis, and noise predictions using the sound source model identified by INA. INA is a method of identifying surface vibrations from surrounding sound pressures. This method can be applied to sound sources with complicated shapes like those in engines. Although many studies on INA have been conducted, these past studies have focused on improvements to the identified accuracy and prediction of noise in free sound field or hemi-free sound field. The authors accurately predicted the sound pressure levels of engine enclosures using a sound source model identified by INA and a boundary element method (BEM). However, we had not yet verified the effectiveness of this sound source model against enclosures that had sound absorbing materials and openings.

This paper describes the application of inverse boundary element method (Inverse BEM) to vibration identification on surface of Co-generation System enclosure. This method is a kind of matrix inversion using singular value decomposition. Therefore it is significant to select proper tolerance in order to identify vibration accurately. In this study, the tolerance selection method is proposed. First step, the surface velocity of numerical model with unit input was obtained by Finite Element Method. The sound pressure around the model was obtained by BEM. Second step, random noise was mixed with obtained sound pressure. Third step, by using Inverse BEM, the surface velocity was identified from the sound pressure with noise. Next, the error between the identified velocity and the velocity obtained by FEM were evaluated and the tolerance is selected to minimize the error.

In this research, we aim at the construction of a steering cooperation-type front-wheel steering control system to reduce the rider's steering load by stabilizing the behavior of the motorcycle when turbulence in the direction of a roll occurs during low-speed driving. Finally, a front-wheel steering control system that considers cooperation with a rider's steering based on the experimental result is constructed, and the utility is verified by simulation.