Combining statistical energy analysis and finite element analysis in RESOUND mid frequency vibroacoustic analysis

Abstract

At low frequencies, vibroacoustic systems exhibit a dynamic response characterized by spatially correlated motion with low modal density. These systems are typically modeled with deterministic methods. While at high frequencies, the dynamic response is characterized by weak spatial correlation and a large number of modes with high modal overlap. These systems are typically modeled with statistical methods. However many vibroacoustic systems have some regions with high modal density and some regions with low modal density. Such systems require a midfrequency solution technique. One such method has been developed based on a hybrid approach combining finite element analysis (FE) in the low modal density regions and statistical energy analysis (SEA) in the high modal density regions. This method is called RESOUND [Langley and Bremner, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 105, 1657–1671 (1999)]. Recent developments of RESOUND have focused on predicting the appropriate dynamic interactions and mechanisms for energy flow between the FE and the SEA regions. By including these effects, RESOUND can predict the dynamic response of systems having regions with low modal densities and regions with high modal densities. This paper will provide an overview of recent developments.