Case Study: Applus IDIADA achieves early detection of vehicle squeaks and rattles with Dassault Systèmes' SIMULIA Abaqus

Simulates vehicle squeaks and rattles with SIMULIA solutions

Applus IDIADA, a Barcelona‑based provider of automotive design, engineering, testing and homologation services, was facing increasing customer complaints about interior squeaks and rattles (S&R) that affect warranties and satisfaction as vehicles get quieter. To catch S&R issues earlier in the design cycle, IDIADA turned to SIMULIA’s Abaqus Unified Finite Element Analysis from Dassault Systemes and developed a new S&R load case inside Abaqus.

Using Dassault Systemes’ Abaqus, IDIADA added geometric detail (including HVAC duct masses), tuned connection stiffness, and used connector elements as “virtual sensors” to capture nonlinear contact and frequency‑dependent behavior; this approach pinpointed three dashboard areas (two HVAC duct connections and the central diffuser) that most influence S&R. The Dassault Systemes solution showed good correlation with physical tests, revealed additional potential rattle sites for further refinement, and helps customers mitigate S&R earlier—saving time and expense in product development and reducing warranty and marketing risk.

Applus IDIADA

Inés Lama

Project Manager Design Engineering