Experimental and Numerical Validation of an Automotive Subsystem through the Employment of FEM/BEM Approaches

In this paper a deep numerical analysis on an internal combustion engine cover is carried out. A hybrid numerical model has been used to evaluate the acoustic performance of engine cover. The Hybrid model is composed of two numerical models: FE (Finite Element) and BEM (Boundary Element Method) models. The FE model patterns structural system, whilst BEM model patterns fluid environment. The main aim of the present work is to characterize, through the employment of numerical simulation, the acoustic performance of the engine cover by using the NR (Noise Reduction) parameter. The numerical frequency response analysis has been implemented using acoustic impedance experimental data, measured for four different thicknesses of sound proof material forming the cover system. The spectrum of acoustic impedance has been evaluated in near field with a sophisticated probe, pressure-velocity probe (p-v probe).The analysis of the obtained results have highlighted the weaknesses as regards sound attenuation of the cover system and possible further improvements of cover system acoustic performance.