A deterministic model of impact noise transmission through structural connections based on modal analysis

Vibration transmission through structural connections is modelled in a deterministic way by means of modal analysis. This model is used first to study the effect of elastic joints across the floor in the transmission of impact noise. They are an effective means of reducing impact noise propagation, and can almost eliminate it for small values of the joint stiffness. The method is also used to study the acoustic relevance of studs in lightweight floor transmission. Different ways of modelling the studs are presented and compared. For the examples developed, the best option is to use springs for modelling the studs rather than more complex models involving springs and beams. Also the different behaviour of point and line connections is verified, as well as the influence of the position of the studs.