Coupling eigenvalues and eigenvectors: A tool for investigating the vibroacoustic behaviour of coupled vibrating systems

The transmission of vibrations between coupled subsystems is treated by using coupling eigenvalues and eigenvectors. It is demonstrated through a basic equation that coupling eigenvalues and eigenvectors characterize the energy exchanges between subsystems due to the coupling. The coupling eigenvalue relates to the coupling strength and coupling eigenvectors to the coupling transmission path. In addition, in the case of several couplings, a simplified method is presented in which only the prevailing modal path between subsystems is used. The results obtained by using this method compare well with the reference calculation. The transmission of vibrations by coupling can be calculated with a small number of variables and offers a new perspective in the range of medium frequency. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited