NVH challenges get tougher

Though one of the more complex disciplines within automotive engineering, designing for good noise, vibration, and harshness characteristics can enhance safety by reducing driver fatigue and bring to the most modest of cars a perception of high quality.

[ILLEGIBLE]maxim sometimes uttered by experienced NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) engineers is that “sound” judgment and good “vibes” will avoid “harsh” criticism of a company's products.

Ever higher consumer expectations and the development of technologies, which include engine downsizing and electric cars to meet broadening environmental issues and consumer expectations, are putting enormous pressures on NVH teams across the world. Added to all that is the fact that powertrain and whole-vehicle NVH are no longer product differentiators for premium brands-they are a central element of the purchasing decision across all markets and segments.