Structural noise source predictor
A method and system for determining locations in a design of an assembly likely to result in buzz, rattle, squeak (“BSR”), and/or other noise conditions. The invention uses a finite element model to represent a design. BSR effects are predicted based upon analysis performed on multiple design models. Users may engage in real-time “what if” analyses to determine the effects of various design and component changes on noise source characteristics. Additional intelligence may be applied to limit the number of model points subject to evaluation. Displacements, contact velocities, and force responses at selectively identified subsets of interesting points can evaluate noise characteristics. An “as designed” model may evaluate noise source characteristics at the beginning of the life of an assembly. Degraded models can determine the effects of aging and use. A restored model may evaluate the influence of optimal fastener design on BSR characteristics for assembly resulting from fastener degradation.
1. A noise source evaluation system comprising:
a analytical design of an assembly, said analytical design including an original model comprising a plurality of representative data points including fastener representations;
a point selection subsystem that uses a point selection subroutine or heuristic to selectively identify a subset of representative data points or point pairs and designates such data points or point pairs as interesting points with respect to one or more characteristics; and
a point evaluation subsystem that analyzes each interesting point with respect to one or more characteristics and generates a plurality of modified or enhanced design models using said subset of data points that are interesting and uses point evaluation subroutines or heuristics with modified design models to evaluate and predict a noise source characteristic in said analytical design.
2. A noise source evaluation system as recited in claim 1 , wherein said noise source characteristic is a buzz, squeak, or rattle.