Squeak and rattle noise prediction for trimmed door of a car using hybrid statistical energy - Finite element method analysis

Abstract

Squeak and rattle noise are important in-cabin sources of annoyance for occupants. Originally, S&R is generated as a result of colliding and slamming of car's trim and body structure which in turn occurs because of the dynamic displacements of components excited by road and power-train. Squeak noise is interpreted as periodic slip phenomenon that happens in the contact boundary of two neighbor surfaces. While rattle noise is the emitted noise when adjacent surfaces collide and impact. Both squeak and rattle phenomena happen in mid-to high-frequency range, even though the excitation sources (road and power-train line) works in low frequency range. In practice, squeak and rattle noise can be minimized via controlling the gaps through a tolerance analysis, as well as the appropriate choice of materials. In this research, potential S&R sources are investigated for the trimmed door of a car using clearance analysis. Impact statistics and overall force level at potential rattle places are calculated through random vibration excitation analyses and afterwards, overall acoustic response and loudness are calculated by the aim of hybrid Statistical Energy-Finite Element (SE-FE) analysis. The results of this prediction will be used in noise and vibration control plan of the whole car in design phase. © 2013 Acoustical Society of America.