Optimization of Gear Whine, Efficiency, and Durability of a Manual Transaxle

Development of modern powertrains used in car and truck applications is more competitive than ever before. Powertrains and components previously considered to be advanced technology, such as hybrids and dual-clutch transmission technology, are now commonplace, being designed and manufactured in all worldwide markets. In order to stay competitive, powertrain OEMs must simultaneously optimize attributes such as performance, cost, weight, durability, fuel economy and NVH while producing new, desirable designs with reduced product development timelines. Oftentimes, the ideal solution for optimization of gear whine will result in an unexpected deterioration of durability, and vice versa. An advanced software tool was previously developed for the design of transmissions and transaxles, including analysis of the vibration, efficiency and durability performance under specified speeds and loads. Since the software evaluates various attributes using a common analysis environment, a process was developed using a structured Design of Experiments approach to simultaneously optimize 3^rd gear whine, efficiency, and durability of a manual transaxle under various loads and speeds. This process will be explained using a simple transaxle system example.