Abstract
Ford Motor Company has validated a new simulation approach to extend its capability to accurately and efficiently predict the NVH performance of its complete powertrain assemblies. Current Finite-Element (FE) methodologies used for full-powertrain NVH simulations often do not deliver sufficient accuracy or require extensive modeling efforts and unrealistic processing power. The new hybrid simulation methodology, implemented by Ford and LMS, combines dynamic test-derived models and full-size FE component models to form a larger hybrid model of a complete powertrain. Experimental modeling significantly increases the speed of the simulation process and allows an easier integration of more complicated or re-used components already available in hardware. Simulations with hybrid powertrain models yield much more accurate NVH predictions early in the design phase and have the potential to set new capability and performance standards across Ford's entire powertrain development process.
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