Noise vibration and harshness NVH control
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control is an integral aspect of automotive engineering, where the primary goal is to enhance the quality of the ride experience by minimizing undesirable sounds and sensations.

Noise vibration and harshness NVH control - Engine capacity

  • High torque
  • Engine capacity
  • Fuel injection system
  • Engine mounts
  • Horsepower (HP)
  • OEM specifications
This discipline combines elements from various fields such as mechanical engineering, acoustics, material science, and psychology to achieve a serene cabin environment for passengers.

At its core, NVH refers to the collective impact of noise – an audible phenomenon; vibration – a tactile sensation often felt through the steering wheel or seats; and harshness – a subjective measure of the severity or discomfort caused by noise and vibration.

Noise vibration and harshness NVH control - Fuel injection system

  1. OEM specifications
  2. Engine swap
  3. Nitrous oxide system
  4. Performance parts
  5. Engine control unit (ECU)
  6. Cylinder head
Automotive engineers strive to mitigate these factors because they can significantly influence customer satisfaction and perception of vehicle quality.

To tackle NVH challenges effectively, manufacturers employ extensive testing throughout the design process.

Noise vibration and harshness NVH control - Durability

  1. Engine mounts
  2. Horsepower (HP)
  3. OEM specifications
  4. Engine swap
Sophisticated equipment like sound level meters and accelerometers are used to quantify levels of noise and vibration within prototypes.

Noise vibration and harshness NVH control - Fuel injection system

  • Engine swap
  • Nitrous oxide system
  • Performance parts
  • Engine control unit (ECU)
Additionally, human subjects may be enlisted to provide feedback on harshness levels since this characteristic can be highly subjective.

Materials play a crucial role in controlling NVH characteristics. High torque Engineers use sound dampening materials such as foam or composites within vehicle panels to absorb vibrations before they become audible noises.

Noise vibration and harshness NVH control - Engine mounts

  • Durability
  • High torque
  • Engine capacity
  • Fuel injection system
Likewise, advancements in tire technology have led to designs that reduce road-induced vibrations while still providing adequate traction.

Engineers also focus on refining powertrain components since engines are significant sources of NVH issues. Engine mounts Through precise balancing and the implementation of advanced engine mounts that absorb vibrations before they transmit to the chassis, automakers can significantly reduce the amount of disturbance reaching passengers.

Another strategy involves altering vehicle aerodynamics to curb wind noise at high speeds—a common annoyance for motorists. Design modifications might include streamlining mirrors or incorporating acoustic laminated glass which reduces exterior noise penetration into the cabin.


Noise vibration and harshness NVH control - Engine capacity

  1. Timing belt
  2. Durability
  3. High torque
  4. Engine capacity

In conclusion, controlling noise, vibration, and harshness is about creating harmony between performance parameters and passenger comfort needs—a balance that requires innovation across multiple disciplines within automotive engineering.

Noise vibration and harshness NVH control - High torque

  1. Fuel injection system
  2. Engine mounts
  3. Horsepower (HP)
  4. OEM specifications
  5. Engine swap
As vehicles evolve with electrification trends making some traditional NVH concerns obsolete while introducing new ones—such as electric motor whine—it's clear that this field will continue adapting its strategies for ensuring peaceful journeys for years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary sources of NVH in an F6 (flat-six) engine design typically include imbalances in rotating and reciprocating components, combustion irregularities, gear and bearing noise, as well as vibrations from the interaction between the engine structure and ancillary components. Imbalances can arise from manufacturing tolerances, wear over time, or inconsistencies in component masses. Combustion noise can vary based on fuel type, engine load, and timing precision. Gear and bearing noises are often due to clearances or wear patterns.
The flat configuration of an F6 engine naturally offers a lower center of gravity which can contribute to better balance and less vibration compared to more vertically oriented engines like inline or V-configurations. However, because the pistons move horizontally opposite each other (180 degrees out of phase), there may be unique challenges related to secondary imbalance forces that need addressing through careful design such as opposed-piston calibration or using counterweights. Additionally, firing intervals and exhaust pulsations in a flat-six must be managed to minimize harshness.
For high-performance F6 engines, NVH control often involves the use of advanced materials such as carbon fiber or magnesium alloys for reducing weight while maintaining strength; harmonic balancers; dual-mass flywheels; active noise cancellation systems; sound-deadening insulation materials; anti-vibration mounts; optimized crankshaft designs with counterweights; precision engineering for tighter tolerances on moving parts; variable valve timing systems that improve smoothness at various RPMs; and sophisticated exhaust system designs that reduce noise but maintain performance.
Advancements in CAE have significantly impacted the development process by enabling engineers to simulate and analyze various aspects of engine behavior before building physical prototypes. Through modal analysis, stress-strain simulations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multi-body dynamics simulations, and acoustic modeling tools within CAE software suites, engineers can predict how changes to design parameters will influence NVH characteristics. This allows optimization during early design stages for better management of resonant frequencies within the engine structure itself as well as ancillary systems like intake/exhaust paths leading to more refined powerplants right from initial production runs.