MODELS OF SPACE-AVERAGED ENERGETICS OF PLATES

The analysis of high-frequency vibrations of plates is of particular interest for many cases of structure-borne noise in aircraft. The current methods of analysis are either too expensive (finite element method) or may have a confidence band wider than desirable (statistical energy analysis). An alternative technique to model the space- and time-averaged response of structural acoustics problems with enough detail to include all significant mechanisms of energy generation, transmission, and absorption is highly desirable. The focus of this paper is the development of a set of equations that govern the space- and time-averaged energy density in plates. To solve this equation, a boundary value problem must be considered in terms of energy density variables using energy and intensity boundary conditions. A verification study of the energy governing equation is performed. A finite element formulation of the new equations is also implemented and several tests cases are analyzed and compared to analytical solutions.