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From powerful testing to augmented powertrain NVH analysis

By SilviaM

Fuel efficiency, engine performance and downsizing… how complex has powertrain engineering become nowadays? And how can engineering teams meet the challenges of balancing sometimes conflicting performance requirements in the most optimized way? In other words, how can they design an engine that’s at the same time powerful, fuel-efficient and quiet?

There are many answers to this question and Simcenter Testing Solutions offer one of them providing deep powertrain NVH analysis. Engineers at Siemens Digital Industries Software have developed a single, comprehensive powertrain testing solution that helps balancing performance, fuel economy and noise vibration and harshness (NVH) alike. Four historically separate measurement systems have now become one. It combines traditional NVH testing with torsional vibration analysis, combustion analysis and simultaneously gives access to powertrain ECU data.

Powertrain NVH testing to achieve a comprehensive powertrain NVH analysis
Powertrain NVH analysis

Torsional vibration analysis (TVA) is a vital part of the overall solution. This aims to discover RPM fluctuations and unsteadiness coming from the shafts and to measure them in parallel with NVH data. The solution allows to get any torsional vibration sensor to be connected and to analyze and animate the acquired data.

To get an understanding of how the NVH links to the powertrain performance, combustion analysis is provided.  Combustion analysis helps measure the powertrain’s performance. With this, all major metrics, such as IMEP, PV diagram, pressure rise rate, etc. can be obtained.

NVH data acquisition for powertrain NVH analysis

Last but not least, access to the powertrain Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is provided through support of CAN Calibration Protocol (CCP), for instance.  This is important as performance-enhancing control strategies often conflict with NVH optimization. By acquiring ECU parameters together with NVH data, users gain insight into how those interlink.

Addressing the needs of all departments involved is a huge challenge. The powertrain NVH analysis facilitates the making of informed decision at the earliest stages and throughout the development process.

Bart Verrecas, Automotive Business Development Manager for NVH testing at Siemens Digital Industries Software, guides you through the advantages of using such a solution and what it brings to your engineering departments. Watch the video for more in-depth explanation.

Do you want to know more about our Simcenter Testing Solutions for powertrain testing? Here is a complete overview.

This article first appeared on the Siemens Digital Industries Software blog at https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/simcenter/powertrain-nvh-analysis/