Validation of finite element connection modeling by comparison of experimental and virtual power injection methods

There are several ways to obtain the matrix of damping loss factors and coupling loss factors for Statistical Energy Analysis. The most recent approach is Virtual SEA, where the Power Injection Method is performed virtually on a finite element model. In order to validate this approach, the most common connection types are investigated in this paper through an L-junction of two coupled steel plates. Virtual SEA and experimental Power Injection Method results are compared in a bent, line welded, superglued and spotwelded variants. The respective finite element connection representation is also validated during the comparison. It was found that with the correct simulation setup, Virtual SEA provides good agreement with the experimental results. In case of the spotwelded variants, further investigations were necessary regarding the parameters of the connection. The influence of these parameters was evaluated and the greatest source of deviations in the results is found.