Structurally integrated piezo-actuators for manipulation of structure-born sound transfer paths of rear axles

The gear whine phenomenon of rear axles is a well-known acoustic issue especially for rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. An improved isolation of the rear axle versus excellent driving dynamics is the main goal conflict in the development process of high performance vehicle. One solution for this issue focus of a research project at Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU in cooperation with Mercedes AMG GmbH is, to reduce the gear noise contribution on the interior noise of a vehicle using an active vibration control system based on struturally integrated piezo actuators.