Concept selection for clutch nonlinear absorber using PUGH matrix

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) refinement as well as fuel efficiency and reduced emission levels are the key objectives in modern powertrain engineering. There is an increasing plethora of NVH concerns associated with the underlying high output power-to light weight and compact concept in powertrain engineering. These phenomena contribute to a broad-band vibration response from low frequency rigid body oscillatory responses to high frequency impulsive actions. Various phenomena are briefly described and the importance of their attenuation through palliative measures emphasised. The role of non-linear oscillators as energy sinks over a broader range of responses is also described. A predictive model is presented. Predictive analysis shows effective action of non-linear energy sinks. A feasible design of a NES absorber in an automotive powertrain is constrained by multiple operating requirements such as temperature, available space, reliability and other attributes, requiring an objective analytic-subjective experiential method to arrive at an optimum solution within a series of plausible alternatives. A methodology based on the PUGH matrix approach is presented.