Analysis of power split vibration absorber performance in heavy-duty truck powertrains

The current development of more efficient combustion engines leads to an increase in engine torsional vibrations; therefore, new technology is needed for reducing the vibrations transmitted from the engine to the driveline. In this article, the concept of power split vibration absorber is evaluated. A mathematical model of the power split vibration absorber is presented, and an analytical study shows how different design parameters affect the power split vibration absorber performance. Numerical simulations with models representing typical heavy-duty truck powertrains are used in the evaluations. It is concluded that for a low level of damping, the power split vibration absorber can provide significantly lower vibration amplitudes than a corresponding dual mass flywheel within a limited speed range. If the power split vibration absorber is optimised for the critical low engine speeds, an overall decrease in the level of vibration can be obtained, but a larger installation space than with a conventional dual mass flywheel would probably be required.