Suspension Vibration Analysis for Road Noise Using Finite Element Model

A reliable finite element model (FE model) for the suspension of front-engine front-wheel-drive vehicles (FF vehicle) was developed. The model allows analysis which clarifies the role of each suspension component for road noise reduction in the 130- 160 Hz range. To analyze road noise up to 200 Hz, an accurate suspension FE model including tire FE model was developed. All suspension components are modeled in detail by shell or solid element. This saves the validation of model and enables us to use it early in the design stage. To save calculation time, some suspension components in which structure is not a concern are transformed into modal model. To acknowledge each subsystem's role to the entire suspension system a new approach was introduced. In this approach, important internal forces between subsystems are selected. These internal forces have high contribution to transmissibility forces at the body attachment point (body transmissibility force). The relationships between these internal forces and compliances are analyzed. By applying this approach a method was created for reducing road noise in each subsystem.