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This paper describes a comprehensive hybrid technique developed for optimization of damping materials on vehicle bodies. This technique uses finite element analysis (FEA) along with experimental techniques to complement each other. In this particular application, a hybrid technique was used to address floorpan vibration and the resulting radiated noise. The objective of this approach was to develop an optimized damping material application layout. This optimized layout balances the increased performance with the overall material volume, mass, and cost. The optimized damping material application developed resulted in a 3-5 dB reduction in the floorpan vibration level while saving 10% in material volume and mass. This optimized layout was validated on a body-in-white using a laser vibrometer. In addition, a new liquid applied material was also introduced with better damping characteristics.

Automotive body structures are developed to meet vehicle performance requirements primarily based on ride and handling, crashworthiness, and noise level targets. The body is made of a multitude of sheet metal stampings welded together. Other closures such as fenders, hood, doors and trunk lid are developed to match body interfaces, to contribute and participate in the overall vehicle response, and to meet the sub-system and system structural requirements. In order to improve performance and achieve weight reduction of the overall vehicle steel structure, new polymeric materials and treatment strategies are available to body structural engineers to optimize the response of the vehicle and to tune vehicle performance to meet specified functional requirements. If early integrated to the design cycle, these materials help not only improve the structural body response, but also decrease the weight of the integrated body structure.