Search Results

This article has as objective the demonstration of a methodology to create component test rigs using numerical simulation techniques (FEM - Finite Element Modelling) as an aiding tool. It also emphasises the interaction between modern design procedures and experimental testing, regarding their consequences to product development. The case study was the development of a prototype chassis components durability test rig. The target was to reproduce a failure occurring at a crossbeam subframe on the assembly with the leaf spring mounting in order to test possible proposed solutions. An initial rig concept was created using experimental data. This conception failed to reproduce the crack at the point where it occurred in the prototype. A new rig was virtually designed and simulated. As the simulation showed proper results, it encouraged the construction of this new rig, which reproduced the failure as expected.

We present the physical concepts of acoustic barriers which have the purpose of reducing airborne sound transmission for both paths: internal and external noise. We introduce the mass-spring model, the utilization of compound sandwiches, and the improvement of the Transmission Loss through the use of channels in the material working as spring. We show some results regarding the behavior of absorption materials exposed to environment/working conditions. In addition we discuss the effect of acoustic leaks and the way of evaluating these barriers in vehicles. We show examples based on experimental investigations.

Because of the increasing need to reduce the time of development of new products, or even to evaluate the reliability of products, one has been noticing a trend to rationalize field tests through essays in ever more representative test benches, within a shorter period of time at a lower cost. In the automotive industry, the trend is to increase the reliability of tests in benches. The quantity of simulated parameters is increasing, what demands an ever increasing survey of data based on measurements of signals of deformation of leaves of spring leaf and courses of suspension in experimental vehicles.