Vehicle rattle detection method and system

Vehicle model rattle detection method and system process vibration displacement data of elements of a vehicle CAE model to predict rattle of the vehicle. The rattle detection method and system includes dividing a vehicle model into a plurality of elements and grids. The displacement data for each element as a function of vibration is then provided. The element-grid pairs which contact due to vibration are then determined using the displacement data. Contact velocity for each contacting element-grid pair due to vibration is then estimated. Rattle for each contacting element pair as a function of contact velocity is then determined. The displacement data includes magnitude data and phase data for each element as a function of vibration over time. A rattle index for each contacting element pair is generated, the rattle index is indicative of rattle severity.