Vibration isolation of a mounted engine through optimization

Abstract This paper is concerned with the minimization of the transmission of engine vibration in the case of a mounted four cylinder engine. This problem can profitably be studied from the point of view of optimization theory. For this purpose a mathematical model is constructed, which describes the motion of the mounted engine. The individual balancing masses and associated phase angles are chosen as the design variables. The objective function to be minimized relates to the minimization of the motion at the engine mounting positions. An optimization algorithm may be employed that allows for a systematic adjustment of the variables in order to minimize the objective function. Because of difficulties encountered in the application of standard optimization methods, Snyman's dynamic optimization algorithm LFOP1B, which is a proven robust method, was applied to the problem. This method is successful in minimizing the objective function.