Automotive Industry – Development, Vibration Analysis and Testing
Product development, from initial concept to series production, is becoming ever faster. In particular, the transition to electric mobility is accelerating change in the automotive industry. With engine noise eliminated, structure-borne noise issues that were previously masked become apparent and are now perceived as intrusive. New components and lightweight design therefore require extensive vibration analysis and testing.
Simulations enable components and assemblies to be examined in detail at an early stage. Nevertheless, real-world measurements on models remain essential for reliably validating the calculated results.
Non-contact measurement methods such as laser Doppler vibrometry do not affect component vibrations. This allows them to deliver precise results quickly and with minimal effort.
The high signal quality of Optomet infrared technology enables reliable measurements even on challenging surfaces, regardless of the material or its properties. Whether in a wind tunnel, on a rotational test rig, in an acoustics laboratory or during modal testing, Optomet helps you select the right vibrometry solution and implement your measurement task.
Aeroacoustics
Aeroacoustics is concerned with noise caused by aerodynamic flows. Turbulent flows, as well as flows through and around structures, cause components to vibrate. These vibrations, in turn, generate and emit sound waves that people may perceive as unpleasant. Increasingly stringent emission regulations are also driving demand for noise-reducing designs.
Noise reduction is particularly important in the aerospace and automotive industries. Examples include aircraft engine noise and wind noise generated by motor vehicles and high-speed trains. As other sources of noise are increasingly reduced or eliminated—as demonstrated by the replacement of internal combustion engines with electric powertrains in motor vehicles—flow-induced noise becomes more noticeable and is perceived as more intrusive.
Airborne sound is measured using microphones or entire microphone arrays. However, identifying potential sound sources requires measurement techniques with higher spatial resolution, such as scanning laser Doppler vibrometry.
Optomet laser scanning vibrometers enable both small structures and entire vehicles to be examined with high accuracy and without contact. The user-friendly SMART Lab software enables measurements to be performed quickly and provides a wide range of meaningful analyses as well as clear two-dimensional and animated visualizations. For example, correlating the mode shapes with the frequencies measured in airborne sound provides valuable insights into the location and nature of sound generation, allowing appropriate design measures to be implemented for noise reduction.
The infrared laser technology (SWIR) used by the Optomet Scanning Vibrometer delivers a sufficient signal level for reliable vibration measurements, even at measurement distances of more than 10 meters. Even dark, reflective, or curved measurement surfaces can be measured without any reflectivity-enhancing treatment. Measurements can also be performed through thick glass panels between the vibrometer and the test object without compromising performance.
Electric drives
Modern vehicles contain numerous electric drives. Some are directly perceptible to vehicle occupants, including power windows, sunroof drives, exterior-mirror actuators, windshield-wiper drives, and power-seat adjusters. Others operate without being directly noticed, such as fuel and coolant pumps or blower motors.
In addition to performing their intended function, these drives can also be a source of unwanted noise. These secondary noises can become particularly noticeable in electric or hybrid vehicles, where there is no combustion engine to act as the dominant noise source.
Laser vibrometers from Optomet help development and test engineers to locate, visualize, and quantify these sources of noise. In addition, Optomet's non-contact vibration sensors are ideal for comprehensive vibration and shock resistance testing of these components.
Where is that annoying noise coming from?
Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH) describes the audible and perceptible noise and vibration characteristics of vehicles and machinery, as well as how they are perceived. NVH is also the umbrella term for the corresponding field of engineering. Its objective is to identify and reduce unwanted noise and vibration in order to enhance user comfort and perceived product quality. NVH investigations help pinpoint sources of vibration and sound to achieve the best possible results for vehicle occupants and other users.
Laser scanning vibrometers from Optomet are particularly effective at locating sources of sound and vibration thanks to their high spatial resolution and excellent signal-to-noise ratio on any surface. Simple, intuitive measurement software, meaningful 3D data visualization, and a fast, automated scanning process allow product surfaces to be examined in a very short time.
The many options for visualizing and exporting measurement data make it easier to communicate results to colleagues. Based on the findings, engineers can, for example, reconsider component interfaces or geometries and increase damping where needed.
Haptic displays
In the age of tablets and smartphones, we have long since become accustomed to swiping rather than typing. However, many users find typing on virtual keyboards difficult because they cannot see through their fingertips to tell exactly where they are touching the screen.
Using touchscreens while driving poses a safety risk. Haptic displays provide a solution by making buttons and sliders on the screen perceptible by touch. They provide tactile feedback to confirm that the user's commands have been executed, without requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road.
Optomet laser Doppler vibrometers play an indispensable role in developing haptic displays and ensuring their quality during production.
Vibration measurement in research, development and industry – Optomet offers the right solution for your requirements.
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