Vibes, BMW and TU Munich collaboration gives Eurostars a good vibe

Eurostars has selected a collaborative project between Vibes, BMW and TU Munich as one of the best in Europe. The project, which aims to develop software that can accurately predict the sound and vibration behavior of new EVs, was selected out of more than 400 applications Europe wide. Ranked as the most innovative project in the Netherlands, and 2nd overall in Europe, collaborators have guaranteed themselves grant funding from the innovation support group, which concentrates on R&D focused SMEs.

In the two-year project, Vibes will develop the software product that will use so-called “substructuring” technology to accurately predict the noise and vibration harshness (NVH) of EVs during the early-phase development. This enables carmakers to optimize the design, prior to building the first prototype, resulting in saved time, resources and money. Matching the current developments in the field of EVs and components is particularly challenging in this project. EVs lack the masking effects of a combustion engine, requiring a different engineering approach. Additional challenges are caused by new components, such as compressors for the cooling of battery packs.

“This collaboration with the TU Munich and BMW, and the support from Eurostars, is a fantastic opportunity to develop innovative software that enables us to accurately make NVH predictions, even in challenging situations with further electrification and weight reductions,” says Vibes CEO Maarten van der Kooij. “We’re proud that our Dutch company is leading the European innovation in this field.”