Protecting the cabin from powertrain NVH

OEMs are getting help from suppliers such as Collins & Aikman and Bayer in damping NVH, thanks to innovations in plastics.

Manifolds, covers, and oil pans are some engine and transmission parts that are being made of plastic for reasons ranging from NVH and weight to cost and performance. While reducing NVH at the source is a worthy goal, and while plastic parts are effective to varying degrees in keeping drivers and passengers protected from powertrain NVH, the firewall is the last and perhaps most important line of defense.

NVH attenuation being its main business, Collins & Aikman has developed various weapons of mass NVH destruction-and it's not afraid to use them.