Numerical determination of statistical energy analysis parameters of directly coupled composite plates using a modal-based approach

Statistical energy analysis (SEA) parameters such as average modal spacing, coupling loss factor and input power are numerically determined for point connected, directly coupled symmetrically laminated composite plates using a modal-based approach. The approach is an enhancement of classical wave transmission formula. Unlike most of the existing numerical or experimental techniques, the approach uses uncoupled plate modal information and treats substructure by means of averaged modal impedances. The procedure introduced here is verified using analytical definitions of infinite orthotropic plates which physically resemble to laminated plates for (under) specific conditions, and is tested by performing experimental power injection method (PIM) for an actual, right-angled composite structure. In the development process, force and moment transmissions are individually considered in order to be consistent with analytical formulations. Modal information of composite plates is statistically evaluated by the discrete singular convolution method with random boundary conditions. Proposed methodology not only provides an efficient use of SEA method in high frequency vibration analysis of composite structures, but also enhances SEA accuracy in mid frequency region in which conventional SEA fails. Furthermore, the effect of orientation angles of laminations on SEA parameters are also discussed in mid and high frequency regions.