A SEA-like approach for the derivation of energy flow coefficients with a finite element model

The Finite Element method is combined with a Statistical Energy Analysis-like (SEAL) energy flow balance to derive the power transmission between two thin plates. A fundamental difference between SEA and the SEAL procedure is that the former is applied to ensembles, while the latter addresses the individual case. Energy Flow Coefficients (EFCs) are derived and explicit use of the non-resonant part of the kinetic energy is made. It is demonstrated that the EFC, as opposed to the SEA Coupling Loss Factor (CLF), can become negative at some frequencies. The EFC exhibits characteristics that are individual for each case examined, although it tends towards the CLF at high frequencies. It is also shown that the SEAL energy flow balance can be used for narrow bands, and at any frequency. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.