What does CVH mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Constant Vibration and Harshness (CVH) refers to the vibration experienced by passengers and the severity of noise made by a vehicle while it is in motion. It is a measure of ride comfort, which takes into account how smooth or rough a car feels when driving over different surfaces.

CVH is usually measured using accelerometers placed on the chassis at specified locations, as well as microphones strategically placed in or around the cabin to capture sound data. The data can then be analyzed to produce an index which provides an indication of vibration and harshness levels.

CVH has become increasingly important in recent years due to consumer expectations for comfortable rides, quieter vehicles, and improved fuel economy. Uncomfortable vibrations can lead to fatigue, reducing driver performance, while excessive noise pollution can impair hearing if exposed for too long. Assessing CVH therefore helps automakers develop cars that offer smoother rides and better sound insulation without compromising safety or fuel efficiency.

Automakers often make use of computer-aided engineering (CAE), allowing them to simulate vibration analysis more quickly and accurately than with traditional methods alone. This allows engineers to assess various design changes before they are implemented into production models, further optimizing ride comfort while navigating various road surfaces or environmental conditions.

Common sources of vibration include engine imbalance, unbalanced tire wear, warped brake rotors, faulty suspension components like struts or shocks, worn rubber mounts or other bushings, loose body panels, faulty wheel bearings or hubs, imbalanced drive shafts or propeller shafts, damaged mufflers/exhaust systems among other issues. Regular maintenance including checking tires/wheels regularly and replacing worn components as needed help reduce the occurrence of unwanted vibrations when driving your vehicle.