Rattle predictions using linear and non-linear structural dynamics simulations

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to study the parameters in the already developed metrics for the Squeak & rattle, which are annoying sounds in a passenger car, as a result of two surfaces sliding or due to normal impact respectively. These are indicators of poor quality and burden warranty costs to the car manufacturers. The rattle event is predicted by validating against experimental data and to compare the accuracy of the S&R risk severity metrics calculated from the linear and non-linear structural dynamics simulations. Though there is a lack of accurate simulations and post-processing methods, the methods used here helps in the evaluation of these issues in the product development process itself by virtual simulations and parameter study. A simple mechanical system is studied for the impact study and various output parameters from the experimental rattle setup are correlated with the simulation results in order to reduce the computational costs of complex setups and mass production.