Analysis of the Dynamic Behavior of the FEAD System Using Numerical Methodology

This paper presents a numerical methodology to predict the dynamic behavior of the front end accessory drive (FEAD) and the overrunning alternator decoupler (OAD) pulley. The methodology uses the commercial code Altair Radioss, and is based on 3D Lagrangian formulation, finite element method and explicit time integration schemes. Contact between different parts were considered using penalty methods. The methodology is divided in two independent parts: 1) FEAD with rigid pulleys, and 2) OAD pulley alone with flexible components. In the first part it is possible to evaluate the vibration of relevant components like the belt and the tensioner pulley, and in the second part it is possible to analyze not only the vibration of the OAD pulley, but also the stresses on critical components to durability. It is also presented a comparison between numerical and experimental results, where the torque profile as a function of the angle is presented for the OAD pulley in a quasi-static test, and the methodology showed good agreement.