Vibration reduction technology using modal energy propagation analysis method

Since the noise generated by mechanical structures affects the merchantability, it is important to predict the noise and vibratory characteristics at the first design stage. The frames and panels or trim parts in automobiles are coupled systems of the rigid and flexible substructure. In these systems, vibration of the flexible structures often becomes one of the major noise sources when the excitation force is applied to the rigid structure. FEM and modal analysis technique are not sufficient to carry out the effective low noise design in higher frequency because of high modal density and complexity of mode shape. Modal energy propagation method, proposed in this paper, is based on the mode synthesis method and the vibration power flow between the eigen modes of the rigid and flexible structures. Previous studies have verified that the vibration level can be reduced by extracting modes that contribute highly to the vibration power flow between subsystems and changing their characteristics. In this report, we present the results of applying this method to a coupled system of a body and panel structures in automobiles and verifying its validity. The structural modifications obtained from this analysis method were verified for their effectiveness in decreasing vibration.