Study on Subdivision in Statistical Energy Analysis

One of the main requirements for the successful use of Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) is to divide a whole system into proper subsystems. It is assumed that the couplings between subsystems are weak in SEA. An SEA model without proper subsystems often provides unpleasant analytical results. This paper described a new method to judge whether the part on a system can be divided into two subsystems. On the basis of numerical study of a coupled beam system with Finite Element Method, an indicator for the judgment was defined as the ratio of initial slope of response on receiving subsystem to that on driven subsystem. The indicator was verified to be useful for determining the necessity of subdivision on two simple coupled beam, coupled plate systems and a complex floor panel of an automobile.