Title: Improving powerplant and powertrain bending in East-West engine configurations

Authors: Javed Iqbal, Asif Rohilla, Qazi Ahmed, Jian Pang, Mohamad Qatu

Addresses: Ford Motor Co., Dept X8, 20800 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn MI 48121, USA. ' Ford Motor Co., Dept X8, 20800 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn MI 48121, USA. ' Ford Motor Co., Dept X8, 20800 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn MI 48121, USA. ' Ford Motor Co., Dept X8, 20800 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn MI 48121, USA. ' Ford Motor Co., Dept X8, 20800 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn MI 48121, USA.

Abstract: Once installed, the powertrain experiences a natural resonance that is usually referred to as the powerplant (and/or powertrain) bending. Such resonance manifests itself into noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) concerns at the customer level. It also causes higher levels of amplitudes of the dynamic deformation and stresses leading to durability concerns. This paper addresses powertrain bending of v6 engines mounted in east-west configuration. The objective of this work is to maximise the powerplant/powertrain bending frequency. This will get such frequency outside some of the engine orders and minimise the potential for resonance. Vibration strategies have been developed and practical recommendations are made.

Keywords: powerplant bending; powertrain bending; driveline; east-west configuration; NVH; vehicle noise; vehicle vibration; harshness response; bending frequency; resonance; engine configuration; durability; amplitude levels; deformation; stresses.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVNV.2005.007532

International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration, 2005 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.358 - 367

Published online: 02 Aug 2005 *

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