Finite element calculations of structural-acoustic modes of vehicle interior for simplified models of motorcars

The present paper describes the results of finite element analysis of structural vibration modes, interior acoustic modes, and structural-acoustic modes in some simplified models of road vehicles having different levels of complexity, in particular in the QUArter-Scale Interior Cavity Acoustic Rig (QUASICAR) developed in Loughborough University. All the analysis has been carried out using the original code that had been developed in Patran Command Language (PCL) specifically for the purpose of this research. Resonant frequencies and spatial distributions of structural and acoustic modes have been calculated initially separately and then taking into account structuralacoustic interaction. The results have been compared with the experimental data obtained for QUASICAR. The comparison has demonstrated good agreement between numerical calculations and experimental results. The developed approach is reliable and efficient, and it can be extended to more complex vehicle models, thus assisting in better understanding of vehicle interior noise.