Vibration characteristics of a car using transfer path analysis

Vibration is a common issue in the automobile system, especially in an old car. Several causes that may generate vibration are vibration at idle and engine RPM. Vibration can decrease the ride comfort and become one of the contributing factors that cause an accident or emergency condition. Therefore, vibration evaluation to know the vibration characteristics of the classic car must be conducted to diagnose when and under what condition the vibration occurs. This paper aims to know the vibration level and vibration characterization of the classic car from car engine as the vibration source to some selected positions at low-frequency engine idle speed by using Transfer Path Analysis (TPA). This research used a 1991-manufactured car. Finite element calculation, simulation, and experimental modal analysis were used to determine the dynamic characteristics of the car for the natural frequencies. The natural frequencies that generated from the experimental modal analysis are convoluted by operational acceleration when the car engine was turning on which equal to operational force as transfer path analysis. In conclusion, TPA can be used to know the vibration characteristics in Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) issues by tracing the flow of vibration using operational force.