Improved Mid-Frequency Statistical Energy Analysis Modeling Procedures

Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA)is currently used to predict high-frequency airborne and structureborne noise and vibration for ships, aircraft, aerospace systems, and automobiles, while finite element analysis (FEA) is used for low-frequencies. A mid-frequency region exists where neither technique gives accurate predictions. The study being proposed will develop modeling procedures that allow the SEA and FEA techniques to be combined so that accurate noise and vibration predictions can be obtained in the mid-frequency region and across the entire frequency range of interest for both DOD and commercial applications. Phase I of the study will develop and document new, innovative techniques for predicting frequency response functions. FEA predictions of mobility and impedance will be combined with SEA predictions of power transfer functions to predict narrow-band frequency response functions. A Phase I transition study will apply the technique to a sample problem. Phase II of the study will apply the new modeling procedure to a number of example structures, so that a handbook of modeling procedures can be prepared. These procedures will be incorporated into a software product that will combine models from commercially available SEA and FEA software codes. Phase III will make the transition to direct private-sector and non-SBIR support.