Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) is used to predict wide-bandwidth noise and vibration. That prediction may rely on parameters derived from theory or from test, which essentially means that there are two distinct approaches, analytical SEA and test-based SEA.
The latter is the focus of this paper. Both theory and practice are reviewed, so that the current status of the method can be established. This review also provides some insight on what information can be extracted from the experiment, how the measurements must be conducted and how the results must be interpreted.
Another important aspect of test-based SEA is its interaction with the more widely used analytical SEA method. It is demonstrated that both methods are complementary and that the analytical and test-based parameters can either be compared or mixed in a “hybrid” SEA,model. Benefits of the combined use of the methods are discussed.
The discussions are supported by results obtained for automotive applications. This overview paper will provide the reader with an understanding of the method and its applications.