Subjective Evaluation of NVH CAE Model Predictions Using an Operator-in-the-Loop Driving Simulator

In the past several years there has been a significant effort to increase the reliance on CAE technology to guide the vehicle design process, with the accompanying effort to reduce or eliminate vehicle prototype testing during the early design phase. Since little or no representative hardware is available early in the design, a tool is needed which allows NVH Development Engineers to subjectively experience the results of NVH CAE model predictions in a realistic driving environment. This paper documents the development of a high fidelity NVH simulator, including both audio and vibration, and the integration of this simulator into an “operator-in-the-loop” Driving Simulator. The key development of this system is its ability to incorporate NVH CAE predictions into the simulated driving environment. However, the technical challenge of generating and controlling synchronized audio and vibration signals of sufficient fidelity in an operator-in-the-loop environment is a significant task and will also be addressed.