Fixture for High-Frequency Viscoelastic Transfer Path Analysis in Application to Elastomer Sealing Rings in Electric Motors

Michael Schnell,Marvin Gradtke,Frank Gauterin

doi:10.3390/vibration4020027

Michael Schnell, Marvin Gradtke + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration4020027

Copy DOI

Abstract

In this paper, the frequency response functions of rubber o-rings are investigated. A growing trend is the application of electric motors in vehicle powertrains. Electric motors exhibit a different kind of structural dynamic excitation, compared to conventional internal combustion engines. Especially the excitation frequency is multiple times higher, as in combustion engines. This increased excitation frequency is a novel requirement on materials and their modelling in simulations. For this case, a novel fixture is introduced, which constrains the rubber o-ring components in their designated conditions and which allows to perform a Transfer-Path-Analysis up to a frequency of 6.5 kHz. The evaluation of the results shows a high coherence throughout the considered frequency range, while using a high-frequency miniature shaker. The structural resonances are clearly visible and the signal noise is low. This proves the suitability of the presented fixture, in combination with the high-frequency miniature shaker. The results presented and the fixture itself serve as a basis for further work and developments.

Highlights

Elastomer materials and rubber o-rings are invisible components in day-to-day life, while still invaluable in their function
It is expected that the coherence of the impulse hammer will continue to decrease with increasing frequency
Tation direction shows stronger coherence dips than the tangential excitation direction. This may be due to the fact that the dynamic loading of the two elastomer sealing rings

Summary

Introduction

Elastomer materials and rubber o-rings are invisible components in day-to-day life, while still invaluable in their function. These are crucial in the application inside a vehicle drivetrain. In comparison to a conventional combustion engine, an electric engine possesses a different operating principle. From this different operation and generation of forces result high engine orders. These engine orders are significantly higher than in conventional combustion engines. In combination with the rotary frequency of the machine, the increased engine orders result in high frequency excitations forces and structural excitations [1]. Suitable material data and analysis is needed to simulate and predict the structural dynamics and behaviours [1,2,3]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion