Optimization of Exhaust System Hangers for Reduction of Vehicle Cabin Vibrations

Excitations from the vehicle engine and the road surface cause vibrations in the exhaust system and the exhaust noise and vibrations are transmitted through the vehcile body and structure to the cabin, causing distractions and discomfort for the driver and passengers. In this article the method of average driving degrees of freedom displacement (ADDOFD) has been used to determine and optimize the location of suspended hanger points. Based on this approach, a model of car exhaust system is used using ANSYS software to optimize the hanger installation points for reducing vibration and to select the best positions for these points. The optimum hanger positions must have a relatively lower ADDOFD value compared to adjacent points. Then the static and dynamic analysis of the exhaust system is illustrated and finally on the basis of the above analyses, the position is chosen for the exhaust system hangers to reduce the transmission of noise and vibrations into the car cabin. Results indicate that optimization of the locations has resulted in a significant decrease in hanger loads, significantly reducing the vibrations transmitted to the vehicle cabin and increasing the life of the rubber hangers. This study has practical significance for reducing the vibration of automobile exhaust systems and the vehicle cabin.