Develop the Methodology to Predict the Engine Mount Loads from Road Load Data Using MSC ADAMS and FEMFAT Virtual Iteration

Design of powertrain mounting bracket is always a challenge in achieving good NVH characteristics and durability with less weight. For this activity engine mount load is necessary to optimize the weight to meet durability and NVH targets. This paper introduces a new method to calculate engine mount loads from chassis accelerations. The method starts by measuring chassis acceleration near engine mount location, then reproducing the same chassis acceleration in Multi Axis Shaker Table (MAST), and finally extracting the load in engine mount using testing (using load cell).

The MAST test actuator displacement input is imported into ADAMS and engine mount loads are extracted. The extracted loads are correlated with physical test results. The correlation includes load time history and peak-to-peak load range. It is recommended to implement this method in early vehicle design phases.

Implementing engine mount bracket weight optimization is desirable in early design stages. To avoid MAST testing and then MAST simulation based on road load data, FEMFAT virtual iteration and MSC.ADAMS integration helps us to integrate the road load data into MAST input data. It is a promising methodology to facilitate data-driven design decisions to be made at early stages of the vehicle development cycle.