Vehicle floor carpet acoustic optimization using statistical energy analysis method

Optimizing acoustic performance of a vehicle at component or system levels is always a challenge to NVH Engineers. This paper is to develop a full vehicle statistical energy analysis (SEA) model for acoustic package application and focus on floor carpet system design optimization over cost and weight. Simplification and remodelling process of a vehicle SEA model were achieved from importing CAD model into the AUTOSEA2 software. A procedure of the model development in AUTOSEA2 was described and the vehicle was remodelled using plate/shell functions. The excitation and cavities were then applied to the model. Finally vehicle trim components in the model were assigned by correct materials. After the AUTOSEA2 model was established, vehicle acoustic transfer function tests have been conducted to validate the vehicle AUTOSEA 2 model. Taguchi method has been introduced to find which location of the vehicle floor carpet will have the largest influences on the sound pressure levels inside the passenger compartment in consideration of power-train and tyre-road noise excitation.