Partial scaling of finite element models for the analysis of the coupling between short and long structural wavelengths

• Published in: Mechanical systems and signal processing Vol. 52-53; pp. 722 - 740
• Main Authors: De Rosa, S., Franco, F., Polito, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2015
• Subjects: Damping; Finite element approach; Finite element method; Joining; Mathematical analysis; Mechanical systems; Sampling; Scaling procedure; Statistical energy analysis; Structural response; Wavelengths; Finite element approach; Structural response; Statistical energy analysis; Scaling procedure
• ISSN: 0888-3270; 1096-1216
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2014.06.007

This work deals with the analysis of the coupling between long and short structural wavelengths on simple test configurations. The aim is pursued using standard and scaled finite element models. The first is the classical one based on the sampling of the given wavelength; the second is built by scaling only the finite element model of the component carrying the shortest waves. The physical domain carrying the shortest waves is thus reduced and its original damping is increased to recover the correct energy response. The results highlight the limits and the advantages of such scaling procedure in analysing the specific coupling schemes. •A scaling procedure for linear models is recalled on the basis of the modal approach.•The possibility to scale only the subsystem with the shorter wavelength is discussed.•The two selected test cases belonging to the literature are two in-line rods and a beam coupled to a plate.•There are combinations of parameters for which the procedure is very efficient.•Advantages and limitations of the scaling approach are deeply discussed.