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In this paper, a new technology for the design of silent transaxles is developed, where topography optimization is adopted and an artificial parameter called β is proposed as an objective function, representing an upper bound of the surface velocity. The strategy of the optimization is to minimize β while getting the surface velocities less than β. as the constraints. A numerical example of reducing transaxle's radiated noise by using the new optimization technology is given in the paper. In the example, an entire Ford transaxle system was modeled numerically, where most internal components were included. First a modal frequency velocity analysis was conducted. Then an acoustic power analysis based on the Acoustic Transfer Vector (ATV) was carried out. Finally, a topography optimization based on the β - method for the transaxle was performed to minimize the radiated noise.

Recent advances in Automatic Transmission Engineering Organization (ATEO) at Ford Motor Company have integrated CAE gear whine analysis into the transmission design process. Detailed models can be developed to predict radiated noise under many types of loading conditions, including dynamic mesh force excitation. Often correlating the analytical FRFs with the results obtained from testing a prototype validates the analytical model and its assumptions. The evaluation and determination of correct and appropriate CAE properties can be extremely difficult for even the experienced design engineer. This paper discusses the application of structural optimization techniques to the assumed material properties and model parameters to minimize the difference between the analytical results and test data over a large frequency range.