Improving SEA response predictions with better estimates of input power

Abstract

A beam system consisting of six beams of varying lengths was analyzed using both statistical energy analysis (SEA) and a deterministic technique to determine whether an improved estimate of SEA input power would lead to more accurate predictions of vibrational response. The exact input power calculated with the deterministic technique was used to adjust the vibrational energy levels predicted with SEA. Comparisons between the deterministic predictions and the SEA predictions indicate that the use of exact input power does lead to better SEA predictions. The results show that the entire system does not have to be modeled to improve the input power estimate—large portions of the system can be modeled with a single semi‐infinite beam. The adverse effect of local vibrational modes on the adjusted SEA predictions is examined.