CAE characterization and optimization of the automotive seat rattle noise

The vehicle seat rattles or, in general, BSR (buzz, squeak, and rattle) noises are one of the major issues, which are directly linked to the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) quality of the vehicle. Predicting and improving the seat BSR noise in early design phase is still challenging. This is mainly due to the complexity, nonlinearity and uncertainty of the impact mechanism at joints contributed to the rattle. Here, it is shown that there is a strong link between the seat structural dynamics and the seat rattle noise so that the seat rattle noise can be predicted and controlled from the seat structural analysis in early design phase. Accordingly, two experiments are designed for this study. The first experiment is set up to characterize the seat resonant frequencies and its corresponding structural mode-shapes. The second experiment is designed to measure the seatradiated noise when it goes under vibration excitation. Alternatively, a concept CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) model of the seat is developed and the seat structural dynamics is characterized by using this analytical model. The model is developed to allow designing the seat-structure modifications as well as examining the effects of the modifications on the rattle noise. Comparisons of the results of the simulation and experiment validate the developed CAE model. The results confirm that by changing the seat resonant frequency, the rattle noise and in general BSR noise can be improved or controlled accordingly. Consequently, for the seat system which has an identifiable structural dynamics, the BSR noise can be managed and controlled in early design phase by using the seat CAE model.