A typical automotive wheel transmits noise and vibration from road to the automotive body structure, and considered as an important parameter in automotive NVH performance optimization. Having a reliable and simple finite element model of the wheel structure can significantly reduce time and cost of design. In this paper a finite element model of an automotive wheel structure validated by experimental modal analysis is presented. Validation is conducted via frequency response functions and resonance frequencies. The shift of resonance frequencies in FRF diagram is also studied and discussed for different conditions. FEM model of the tire is also developed consisting of a Neo-Hookean model for the tire and linear elastic model for the rim. Finally the results are analyzed and compared with the FEM model. Comparison between FEM and experimental modal analyses shows an acceptable accuracy (less than 10 % error). The validated model can be used for other Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis purposes to modify the wheel structure in early design phase and reduce cost and time of design.

Full text: IJEIR_2316_FINAL.pdf