In recent years a number of low frequency (<80 Hz) vibration phenomena, such as driveability, idle shake and transmission rattle, have emerged as major issues in automotive vehicle refinement programmes. This emergence is due to a combination of vehicle system effects, including higher levels of engine excitation and inherent dynamic instability in drivelines and mounting systems under particular operating conditions.
The driveline model described in this paper attempts to provide practical support to vehicle development programmes by providing sufficient detail for design modification assessment in a stable and efficient modelling environment. The model, which provides a basis for investigating most low frequency vibration problems in automotive drivelines, is programmed in the ADAMS (Automated Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems) software environment.
This paper will concentrate on describing technically interesting features of the model and will be followed, at a later conference, by a paper describing typical applications of the model in the study of driveability, transmission rattle and mounting system design.