Validity diagrams of statistical energy analysis

This paper is concerned with the validity domain of statistical energy analysis (SEA) which is defined in terms of four criteria. The mode count N and the modal overlap M must be high, the normalized attenuation factor (m) over bar and the coupling strength gamma must be small. The application of dimensional analysis on the governing equations of plates gives the space of dimensionless parameters in which the validity domain of SEA must be delimited. This domain is discussed on the basis of geometry of the surfaces delimiting it. The diagrams of validity of SEA are introduced and discussed. A numerical simulation on a couple of rectangular plates coupled along one edge illustrates the theoretical approach. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.