The Effect of Engine Mounts on the Noise and Vibration Behavior of Vehicles

The noise and ride behavior of a vehicle can be significantly affected by vibrations transferred from the engine through the engine mounts to the chassis. Considering the engine, engine mounts, and chassis as individual components limits the potential gains on the overall vehicle performance. By describing the engine, engine mounts, and chassis as a vibrational system, emphasis can be placed on the capacity for engine mounts to improve the vibrational characteristics of a vehicle.

The focus of this paper is on the role of engine mounts in the optimization process of vehicle vibrational and acoustic behavior. Passive, semi-active, and fully active engine mount designs are discussed. Characterization of the different effects of these types of mounts on noise and vibration performance is provided based upon analytical and experimental results.