An approach for evaluating power transfer coefficients for spot-welded joints in an energy finite element formulation

Low levels of vibration and noise in vehicles contribute to raising their perceived value. Currently, a widely utilized approach for high frequency analysis in the vibro-acoustics area is the Statistical Energy Analysis. An emerging new technology is the Energy Finite Element Analysis (EFEA). The energy density constitutes the primary variable in EFEA. The governing differential equations are formulated with respect to the energy density. A finite element approach is employed to solve numerically the governing equations. In order for this new method to be applicable to automotive structures it is important to identify an approach for modelling spot-welded joints. This paper presents the development, implementation, and validation of a numerical process that evaluates the EFEA power transfer coefficients that correspond to spot-welded joints. These power transfer coefficients can be utilized in an EFEA model to simulate the behavior of the spot-welded connections. (C) 1999 Academic Press.