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Under city driving conditions, the powertrain represents one of the major vehicle exterior noise sources. Especially at idle and during full load acceleration, the oil pan contributes significantly to the overall powertrain sound emission. The engine oilpan can be a significant contributor to the powertrain radiated sound levels. Passive optimization measures, such as structural optimization and acoustic shielding, can be limited by e.g. light-weight design, package and thermal constraints. Therefore, the potential of the Active Structure Acoustic Control (ASAC) method for noise reduction was investigated within the EU-sponsored project InMAR. The method has proven to have significant noise reduction potential with respect to oil pan vibration induced noise. The paper reports on activities within the InMAR project with regard to a passenger car oil pan application of an ASAC system based on piezo-ceramic foil technology.

Geartrain-related noise has become a more dominant noise concern mainly due to the increasing demand for high-pressure injection systems. Engine geartrain noise is mainly caused by torque fluctuations of the crankshaft and the injection system, both leading to tooth impacts between the gears of the geartrain. Gear impacts can generate dominant NVH problems due to the high frequency content of the gear impact forces, although their amplitudes are much lower than those of the combustion forces. If the natural frequencies of the surrounding structure are met, an intensive radiation of the surrounding structure is caused. FEV has developed a simulation method for the analysis of geartrain dynamics aimed at identifying and optimizing potential noise sources. This simulation method is an essential tool for the development process of a technical product. It realizes a minimum effort to set up the model at reduced calculation time.

In the future, computer-based development tools will lead to a significant reduction in the duration of the development period for both powertrains and vehicles as well as ensure a dramatic increase in product quality. Today, CAE tools support the development process beginning with concept design and ending in series production. This paper presents today's state-of-the-art CAE capabilities in the simulation of the dynamic and acoustic behavior of Powertrain components. The paper focuses on the interaction of the excitation mechanisms and noise transmission. Modern CAE tools allow the analysis, assessment and target-oriented acoustic optimization of the powertrains and powertrain components.