This paper discusses approaches to properly design aluminum axles for optimized NVH characteristics. By effectively using well established and validated FEA and other CAE tools, key factors that are particularly associated with aluminum axles are analyzed and discussed. These key factors include carrier geometry optimization, bearing optimization, gear design and development, and driveline system dynamics design and integration. Examples are provided to illustrate the level of contribution from each main factor as well as their design space and limitations. Results show that an aluminum axle can be properly engineered to achieve robust NVH performances in terms of operating temperature and axle loads.
