Engine Mount Optimization for Vibration Isolation in Motorcycles

This paper presents a comprehensive model to capture the dynamics of a motorcycle system in order to evaluate the quality of vibration isolation. The two main structural components in the motorcycle assembly - the frame and the swing-arm - are modeled using reduced order finite element models; the power-train assembly is modeled as a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) rigid body connected to the frame through the engine mounts and to the swing-arm through a shaft assembly. The engine mounts are modeled as tri-axial spring-damper systems. Models of the front-end assembly as well as front and rear tires are also included in the overall model. The complete vehicle model is used to solve the engine mount optimization problem so as to minimize the total force transmitted to the frame while meeting packaging and other side constraints. The mount system parameters - stiffness, position and orientation vectors - are used as design variables for the optimization problem. The imposed loads include forces and moments due to engine imbalance as well as loads transmitted due to irregularities in the road surface through the tire patch.