Efficiency estimation of a benchmark SEA model

Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) is the most acknowledged technique to solve high frequency problems. However, SEA can be able to provide reliable results only if particular conditions are satisfied. Thus, some basic hypotheses define the range of applicability of the method. The coefficients of the SEA equations depend on the coupling loss factor (CLF), internal loss factor (ILF) and modal densities. Theoretical relationships allow to predict the CLFs and ILFs of simple subsystems, but very often the theoretical estimate of these parameters is incorrect and their values may be rather obtained experimentally. In this paper mathematical relationships representing the basic hypotheses involving the SEA parameters are presented, and their ability to provide a significant a priori evaluation of the SEA efficiency is tested on the case of a benchmark made of three coupled plates. The energy in the system is experimentally determined, and this result is compared with that of a SEA model: the compliance with the hypotheses is checked.