Improving fuel efficiency often affects NVH performance. Modifying a vehicle’s design in the latter stages of development to improve NVH performance is often costly. Therefore, to optimize the cost performance, a Multi-Attribute Balancing (MAB) approach should be employed in the early design phases. This paper proposes a solution based on a unified 1D system simulation model across different vehicle performance areas.
In the scope of this paper the following attributes are studied: Fuel economy, Booming, Idle, Engine start and Drivability.
The challenges to be solved by 1D simulation are the vehicle performance predictions, taking into account the computation time and accuracy. Early phase studies require a large number of scenarios to evaluate multiple possible parameter combinations employing a multi-attribute approach with a systematic tool to ease setup and evaluation according to the determined performance metrics.
All the required simulation models are built and subsequently validated. Since the actual complexity level for each model was unknown in the beginning of this study, the validation test results are used to define the required complexity level.
Testing was done in order to get sufficient data for model creation and validation, but also to understand the main dynamics at play to understand the physical phenomena.
The models are created and validated step by step; from subcomponent level to full vehicle level.
The unified analysis tool for multi-attribute balancing is designed to handle easy parameterization, simulation and result post-processing for all validated models.
This innovative approach is controlled by a script which is running a combination of validated 1D simulation model with predefined parameters and controls. A centralized parameterization allows simulation of any suspension/body/engine/transmission model combination which the user would want to assemble for the selected attributes. The result is a scalable platform that is designed to allow different departments, from powertrain to driveline, to rapidly fix design choices and validate their effect towards NVH, Vehicle Energy Management and Drivability.