Title: NVH characteristics of thermoplastic composite engine covers

Authors: Haran Periyathamby, Michael E. Anderson, David A. Nash, Y. Charles Lu

Addresses: Copley, OH 44321, USA. ' Dana Holding Corporation, 100 Plumley Drive, Paris, TN 38242, USA. ' Dana Holding Corporation, 100 Plumley Drive, Paris, TN 38242, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky, 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY 42002, USA

Abstract: Thermoplastic composites have been increasingly used for automotive under-the-hood applications, like engine covers. To compete with other lightweight materials, such as aluminium and magnesium, the thermoplastic composite has to demonstrate sound structural performance, such as long-term durability and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance. In the current study, the NVH characteristics of the thermoplastic composite engine cylinder head covers were studied. Tests were carried out on a vehicle chassis dynamometer in an anechoic chamber under loaded wheels and operating drive conditions. NVH performance of the thermoplastic composite covers was processed for spatial transmissibility, sound pressures and psychoacoustic parameters. Results demonstrate that a well-designed thermoplastic composite cover can achieve the same structural requirements (NVH) as other lightweight metal covers (magnesium and aluminium), in addition to provide substantial cost saving and weight reduction.

Keywords: engine covers; automotive composites; vehicle noise; vehicle vibration; thermoplastic composites; under-the-hood applications; durability; harshness; NVH performance; cylinder head covers; spatial transmissibility; sound pressures; psychoacoustic parameters.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVNV.2009.031027

International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration, 2009 Vol.5 No.3, pp.205 - 218

Published online: 18 Jan 2010 *

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