The use of finite-element techniques in statistical energy analysis.

When using the statistical energy analysis (SEA) technique to compute the structureborne and acoustic power flow through complex structures, a parameter of paramount importance is the coupling loss factor which characterizes the power flow across substructure boundaries. For many simple boundary types (e.g., plates connected to plates) the coupling loss factors are available in the literature, but in applying the SEA method to structures with more complex connections the finite element method can be used to advantage in computing these factors. The structure studied here consists of two beams, capable of supporting flexural, compressional, and torsional motion, connected by a small, builtup box which has several resonances in the frequency range of interest. The admittance matrix of the box structure was computed using NASTRAN. From this admittance matrix the coupling loss factors are computed. The resonant structure of the 'coupler' (the box) is apparent in the results, which compared well with results from experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]