Abstract
Keywords Driveshaft, Axle, Gear System Noise, NVH, Optimization
Abstract This paper presents a study of the relationship between the driveshaft dynamics and vehicle axle system gear noise; and an analytical modelling approach developed by the authors that could be used to analyse and optimise the driveshaft dynamics to achieve minimized axle system gear noise. The mechanism of axle system noise and the effect of the driveshaft design are briefly overviewed and discussed through examples. Design criteria of the driveshaft configuration for optimised driveline NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) performance are then presented. An analytical tool developed by the authors is presented, which provides an efficient way to analyse the driveshaft dynamics and its effects on gear system noise without the need of detailed CAD (Computer Aided Design) models.
The accuracy of the analytical approach is illustrated through examples of comparison with
FEA (Finite Element Analysis) detailed model predictions, as well as component and vehicle testing results. The capability and efficiency of the approach provide an advantage in the driveline system design, including quick sorting of a large group of driveshafts, as well as obtaining design alternatives with optimised system NVH performance.