Introduction
In the engineering world, performance targets are often in conflict. A lightweight design might offer the best results for fuel efficiency but could negatively impact other performance issues such as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), handling and ride comfort. Multi-attribute balancing (MAB) is key to addressing complex engineering challenges and safeguarding the balance between design options and functional performance. Continuous development of computer-aided engineering (CAE) and system simulation, manufacturers can predict the relative losses across a range of attributes such as NVH, fuel efficiency and drivability.
In collaboration with Simcenter, the Hyundai Motor Company team used a methodology that goes beyond troubleshooting an NVH issue. It applied an integrated, comprehensive approach that included competition benchmarking, target setting, design and validation in order to balance handling and NVH along with ride comfort. In order to do a proper balancing act subjectively and objectively, the team simultaneously applied test and simulation to identify the current design issues. Then the team validated the result against the best-in-class competition.
