Experimental statistical energy analysis of coupled plates with wave conversion at the junction

Coupling loss factors for bending wave transmission between coupled plates can be determined using experimental statistical energy analysis. However, some types of plate junctions introduce significant wave conversion such that the assumption of a statistical energy analysis (SEA) system that supports only bending waves is no longer appropriate. Three methods have been assessed to identify the existence of wave conversion between bending and in-plane waves when experimental SEA is used to analyse a system that is assumed to consist of only bending wave subsystems. These methods were based on errors in the internal loss factor, matrix condition numbers, and a failure to satisfy the consistency relationship. Only the former method that calculated errors in the predicted internal loss factors was found to be of use in identifying wave conversion.