Statistical Energy Analysis of Noise and Vibration from an Automotive Engine

Statistical energy analysis (SEA) is a validated tool for vibro-acoustic modeling of larger systems such as air- and spacecraft, ships, and automobile bodies. In this paper, we report on the application of SEA to model the noise and vibration output of a vee-configuration automotive engine above 1000 Hertz. This approach may complement boundary element methods, which are time consuming to use and can only be applied up to one or two kilohertz. In a feasibility study, experimental data is used to specify power inputs and damping losses, as well as to validate the model. The study shows that SEA can be used to model the vibrational behavior of the engine block at high frequencies that are unattainable with deterministic methods. This result may apply to other structures such as transmissions, pumps, and superchargers.