Simulating Sound Radiation using the Energy-Finite-Element-Method

The most established numerical methods for calculation of sound radiation are the Boundary-Element-Method (BEM) and the FiniteElement-Method (FEM). For large-scale geometries and high-frequency ranges these methods are limited by enormous numerical costs. The applicability of the Energy-Finite-Element-Method (EFEM) in these cases is analyzed within the research project EPES, sponsored by the federal ministry of economy and technology. Under certain assumptions the equations describing structure-borne sound and sound radiation can be condensed to the static heat conduction equation, transforming the pressure and velocities in energy densities. Using the Energy-Finite-Element-Method (EFEM) the structure geometry and acoustic cavities are separately modeled and coupled by transmission coefficients for energy flow interactions. An important value calculating the coefficients is the radiation efficiency. This paper focuses on the analysis of the radiation efficiency for EFEM calculations. This contribution presents the EFEM approach, calculations of radiation efficiency, transmission coefficients and energy densities of different fluid-structure interactions. Based on those calculations, the applicability of the EFEM is discussed.