Acoustic and Thermal Performance Assessment of a Polyurethane based Lightweight Engine Beauty Cover Produced by an Innovative Production Method for Automotive Industry

Abstract

Nowadays, for automotive manufacturers, reducing emissions, costs and noise in vehicles is one of the most important issues. Acoustic comfort is a quality parameter that determines the preferences of customers; moreover, noise is a pollution that affects human health negatively. With this approach, the noise absorption capability of all in-vehicle components needs to be enhanced for the acoustic performance that is desired to be achieved across the vehicles. Considering that engine is the one of the most important parts having the capability to creating noise in vehicle, it is critical to enhance the ability of engine covers to absorb noise. Within the scope of this study, the engine top cover, which is an important part for the automotive sector, was produced two-layered polyurethane structure by one-shot. The aim of the study is to make the engine beauty cover produced to be lighter than its counterparts, to provide higher acoustic performance and to obtain a lower cost product. In this context, the products obtained after the design studies; acoustic and thermal properties were investigated.