On the Improvement of Concept Modeling of Joints within Simplified Finite Element Models with Application to Structural Dynamics

In the concept phase of vehicle development fast and reliable modeling and simulation techniques have crucial importance for frontloading the studies of structural dynamics. With the help of such methods the early estimations of NVH behaviour can be used to explore more design alternatives and can contribute to the choice of a better initial design. This paper presents an improvement of an existing concept approach for simplification of predecessor FE models, which uses model updating. The original formulation, where the simplified FE model consists only of beam elements, has been herewith extended by adding joints, and the follow-up effects on the convergence of the model updating algorithm have been studied. The model of an automotive engine subframe has been used for validation purposes. A future goal of the authors is to extend the application of the improved approach to the whole car structure.