SANTA ANA, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2013) — Tenneco Inc. has selected a supplier of acoustics and vibro-acoustics simulation software for use in evaluating exhaust system noise.
The manufacturer of exhaust systems for the automotive and commercial vehicle industry picked Actran, a software suite for acoustic, vibro-acoustic and aero-acoustic modeling developed by Free Field Technologies (FFT), a subsidiary of MSC Software Corp. Tenneco is using the software for modeling exhaust system pipe noise and shell noise.
Car manufacturers must develop cleaner, more fuel-efficient and quieter engines, Tenneco said. "In order to meet these challenging objectives, they require their suppliers to take responsibility for acoustic performance of the components they supply. Thus, exhaust manufacturers seek new concepts which meet strict noise emission regulations, without disrupting engine efficiency.
"This is extremely important, as the design of an exhaust system can influence the engine performance, the radiated sound pressure levels, as well as the broader design of the vehicle."
Additionally, the company said, pass-by noise targets and interior acoustic criteria have to be considered for the entire vehicle, and the exhaust system is a major contributor when dealing with these aspects. "Tenneco is continuously reassessing its development process to ensure it meets or even exceeds these requirements."
Lake Forest, Ill.-based Tenneco recently acquired the Actran technology for use in predicting acoustics and vibro-acoustics. The Actran vibro-acoustics software "provides a rich library of elements, materials, boundary conditions and solver solutions," according to the company. The software is used to investigate the effects of design changes at any development stage, and to understand the physics of problems when they occur at the production stage. Tenneco said the "Actran computational results are accurate, and have helped Tenneco rely more on simulations than on physical prototypes."
"The Actran software helps support our acoustic development programs," said Jerome Voillequin, senior acoustic engineer, Tenneco Emission Control Europe in Edenkoben, Germany. "Actran helps further improve how we investigate and understand acoustic challenges in order to ensure that we continue to provide leading-edge acoustic solutions for exhaust systems."
Stéphane Caro, from FFT in Belgium, noted the Actran software "contains a rich set of features needed to model the acoustic performance of exhaust system products."
Tenneco designs, manufactures and markets emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment markets and aftermarket principally under the Monroe, Walker and Clevite Elastomer brand names.
FFT, which has its headquarters in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, provides its Actran software to car manufacturers and their suppliers, civil and military aircraft and aircraft engine manufacturers, producers of loudspeakers and other audio devices, consultants, universities and research centers. The firm maintains offices in Toulouse, Tokyo, and Detroit.