Finite Element Analysis and physical testing to solve bouncing effect during armrest opening

Abstract

Abstract Continuous rattling of armrest around the hinge creates rattling noise. The objective of present research work is to correlate the Finite Element Analysis and physical testing of bouncing effect during armrest opening to reduce the bounce effect by local design modifications. Finite Element Method (FEM) and Physical Testing correlation consists of several tasks such as FE modelling, Dynamic analysis, Physical testing, Correlation, Model updating, to proposes a design solution and Validation. The functionality requirements are identified and Physical test is performed as investigative tools along and Physical test armrest opening time is considered as target for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation. Armrest opening time is measured using the video loaded in Hyperview and Ls-Dyna solver is used for FE Analysis. FEM model design parameters are updated using iterative model updating process to give better correlation between the FEM result and the experimental result. Once acceptable correlation is achieved, many alternative modifications can be evaluated using only FEM to reduce the Bounce back of armrest. Based on the implementation cost and feasibility, a counter measure will be selected and implemented in the next phase model. The present work will help to solve the bouncing effect and also will be a guideline for future Armrest design varying from simple to complex design or light weight to heavy weight Armrest.