Engine mounts and powertrain mounting systems: a review

The developments, performances and applications of mounts that from conventional rubber mount to active mount are reviewed and discussed. In the design of a Powertrain Mounting System (PMS), the layouts for a powertrain and the mounts should meet some generally used layouts that are discussed in this paper. Also the natural optimisation method, motion control strategies and calculation methods for vibration control and isolation in design a PMS are reviewed and discussed. It is concluded that the optimisation technology in determining the stiffness in nonlinear section and tuning points in the force vs. displacement curve of a mount should be developed and the application of Trans Path Analysis (TPA) and theory of power flow should be enhanced. The bracket of a mount has great influence on the isolation effects of a PMS, and should be designed carefully.