Powertrain Structural Analysis

The purpose of this study was to analytically predict the dynamic behavior of a powertrain assembly and provide directions for structural design improvements relevant to durability, optimum weight, NVH characteristics, etc. To achieve this objective, a finite element model of the powertrain assembly was constructed and normal mode analysis was performed with the MSC/NASTRAN finite element computer program. Natural frequencies, mode shapes and modal strain energy densities were computed. Results were post-processed with the MOVIE — BYU color graphics package. An accurate, easy to interpret, presentation of the dynamic results was achieved with color-coded strain energy density animations of the first two eigen-solutions.