Simulation of a complete system using the example of an active interface fo vibration reduction

In many technical applications undesired mechanical vibrations are a growing problem. Especially in vehicles vibrations can cause a significant reduction of the passengers comfort, which is often not tolerated. These problems reveal the existing urgency to apply specific vibration reduction measures. Besides conventional 'passive' measures, in the last few years 'active' systems, also known as 'smart structures', are becoming more important. Within the framework of the Fraunhofer project FASPAS, such highly integrated smart structures are developed. The principal purpose of these smart structures is to significantly reduce structural vibration in complex systems such as car bodies or machine tools. Within the scope of the FASPAS project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF has developed an active multiple degree of freedom (MDOF) interface which can be integrated into a chassis of a passenger car to reduce noise, vibration or harshness (NVH) problems. In this article the development method used for designing an active interface is described. Moreover, it will be shown how to simulate a complete system consisting of a surrounding structure and an embedded interface.