A deterministic energy method for predicting the response of coupled finite structures

Abstract

The forced response of finite, thin rectangular plates coupled by a line joint can be predicted using well-established analytical methods. However, such methods become difficult to implement for thick panels coupled by complex joints. In these cases, the finite element (FE) method and conventional statistical energy analysis (SEA) are viable alternatives. However, the FE method can be time-consuming at mid/high frequencies while SEA involves various approximations and assumptions. This paper develops a deterministic energy method for predicting the forced response of coupled complex panels based on a hybrid finite element/wave finite element method (WFE), modelling the panels as coupled wave-bearing subsystems. Excitation of the structure by a time-harmonic point force is considered. The method involves meshing only a small segment of the panel and the joint using finite elements, and is able to model complex structures such as laminated panels and joints with low computational cost. An illustrative example of the method is presented - coupled thin, rectangular plates coupled by an "L" shaped joint.