Hybrid numerical-experimental Characterization of non-conservative joints for SEA applications

The scope of this research was the development of an hybrid methodology to characterize non-conservative joints so that it can be included in Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) models. An hybrid approach was preferred to a purely numerical simulation because it allows to characterize also joints with non-linear dissipation mechanisms. In the initial stage of the work the theoretical approach was outlined. Subsequently experimental measurements were performed on a test structure, in order to highlight the effect of a non-conservative joint and to characterize its dissipation properties. Finally the joint data were used to model a simplified automotive structure in order to validate the proposed method. Two different models were considered, with and without damping treatment, and in both cases the results demonstrated that the method allows to predict correctly the energy levels of the subsystems.