Proposal of a Methodology for Multidisciplinary Design of Multifunctional Vehicle Structures including an Acoustic Sensitivity Study

In this paper, a design methodology is proposed, wherein tools and knowledge from the areas of structural design, numerical optimization, and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) engineering are combined into a single toolbox for vehicle design. The methodology attempts to address the topic of sustainable development from both economic and environmental perspectives within the vehicle industry. A brief review of the topics of NVH and numerical optimization is given for the purposes of disseminating knowledge. Finite element codes for predicting structural and acoustic response are implemented within the iterative design methodology, which is explained for generic problems. Specific focus is placed on the need for understanding functional requirements of the entire system rather than its components. The methodology is implemented in an automotive case study. The results in terms of design solution and development framework are evaluated and discussed. As part of this evaluation, and integral to the design process, an acoustic sensitivity analysis of the final solution is performed and the results are presented.