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Smooth ride.

Article Excerpt
Smooth ride

by Shannon Sweeney and Tim Kubat

Torsional vibration control for diesel-driven powertrains.

The need for reduced fuel consumption and the requirements mandated by vehicle spectator noise emission regulations have caused engine idle speeds to be lowered. Further, as strict diesel emission standards take effect and new engine models are designed with higher power-to-weight ratios, these diesels produce a harsher driving torque with a large vibratory component.

Such developments in diesel engines and drivetrains have changed the requirements for torsional vibration suppression and motion control, which has prompted the need for increased driveline coupling/damper design features. These, and other factors, have created a host of new challenges in drivetrain design, demanding new solutions from improved couplings.

New solutions to an old problem

Industrial vehicle drivetrains are subjected to a variety of dynamic torque loading conditions. These include engine combustion and inertia, transient impulse, implement feedback, hydraulic clutch pressure irregularities, clutch friction coefficient variation and transmission shift energy management. These dynamic torque irregularities and shift shocks are superimposed upon the steady torque required to do work and can have damaging consequences on powertrain component life. In addition, they are often the root cause of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), and thus have a significant impact on a vehicle's acceptance by end-users.

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