Efficient optimization of a noise transfer function by modification of a shell structure geometry - Part II: Application to a vehicle dashboard

The subject of the second part of this paper is the application of the method presented and discussed in Part I. In particular, the concept of component models is briefly sketched. This is followed by a description of the computational model. The symmetry half of a sedan dashboard consists of finite shell elements, whereas the remaining body structure is represented by one superelement. The fluid model consists of boundary elements. The noise transfer function is calculated next. Six possible objective functions are presented. Further, the effect of fictitious stiffening is investigated, to find out if a stiffening decreases radiated noise. The description of the large number of 44 parameters is followed by the discussion of the optimization result. Only by modifying the shell structure geometry by ± 10 mm, an average improvement of three decibel is achieved for this model. Finally, the result as well as the entire process are critically reviewed and discussed.