Modeling, testing and optimization of the vibroacoustic performance of laminated steels and other damping treatments used in automotive components

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Reduction of interior noise and vibration in passenger vehicles is a major requirement for performance, sound quality and customer satisfaction. Passive damping technology using viscoelastic materials is classically used to control the vibration of several major automotive components. Currently, the actual damping treatment and its nature vary with vehicle platforms and overall OEM practices. There is a need to develop a robust strategy to select, locate and optimize the damping treatment over broader frequencies and temperatures.  This project is a first step into this direction. It concentrates on constrained and free layer treatments with an emphasis on laminated steels. Optimizing and designing such materials requires a detailed and fundamental investigation of the mechanisms of damping materials and their interaction with the underlying vibrating structures. This is the main objective of this project. It is aimed at identifying, understanding and quantifying, through modeling and testing, these damping treatments. The end results are (i) development of accurate and reliable numerical models capable of predicting the frequency response of structures containing viscoelastic materials and on this basis, (ii) assessment at the design stage of the performance of possible damping solutions, and (iii) development of new damping materials and strategies with the lowest cost and weight while maintaining components stiffness and manufacturability. The present research program is tackling these challenging issues through several numerical and experimental studies. The proposed work will be performed with close collaboration with GM of Canada engineers and scientists. They will provide important complementary expertise (polymeric materials, sandwich lamination, adhesion, etc.) and ensure that the proposed research meets the highest and most discriminating standards for quality, ease of use, and answers to the real needs of the automotive industry. Moreover, it will ensure the rapid transfer of the developed technology to GM of Canada.