Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control are already an important part of the collision repair process, but they are expected to play an even larger role as to autonomous vehicles (AVs) continue to be developed.
Automakers already spend significant time focusing on NVH because it is one of the most important attributes to reflect the quality perception of a vehicle. As autonomous driving evolves, sensitivity to NVH will continue to increase as drivers turn into passengers and will no longer be focused on the external environment.
New alloys and the combination of materials with new materials also increases the sensitivity of a vehicle body to the vibrational and acoustical responses.
Forecasts indicate that the need for lightweighting will affect the material mix strategy for developing vehicles. As a lightweighting strategy – which will also affect NVH – the material focus will shift to aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Composites and plastic body panels reinforced with metal door structures will shift and are expected to be present in vehicles, similar to the Dendrobium hypercar, for drastic weight savings.
Learn more about NVH materials and why it matters to passengers.
