Engine Mount Design Strategies to Mitigate Linear Vibrations in a Tata Nano

Abstract

In 2009, Tata Motors launched the Tata Nano as a low-cost alternative to two and three-wheeled vehicles for India’s growing middle class. However, the Nano failed to meet these expectations as it developed a negative perception amongst Indian consumers partly due to its poor Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) characteristics. In this paper, we examine strategies to reduce the transmission of linear vibrations from the engine felt inside the cabin. Specifically, it includes analysis of the hardness of damping rubber in the engine mounts as well as geometry of the engine mounts. The results of this analysis suggest that Tata Motors can reduce the vibrations transmitted from the engine by decreasing the hardness of the damping rubber. Additionally, Tata Motors can further reduce the transmitted vibrations by decreasing mount angle. It was found that a reduction in mount angle from 45° to 30° reduced the amplitude of the transmitted vibrations by 23%. Topics: Engines , Design , Linear vibration