An alternative energy finite element formulation based on incoherent orthogonal waves and its validation for marine structures. (Q1614880)

An alternate formulation is presented for deriving the governing differential equations of the energy finite element analysis (EFEA). The formulations for interior acoustic spaces and for thin plates are presented. The new formulations are based on considering the acoustic or the flexural response as a summation of incoherent orthogonal waves. The validity of the EFEA is demonstrated by comparing vibration results from very dense conventional finite element models to EFEA results. Actual marine structures are analyzed. Comparison between statistical energy analysis and EFEA is also performed for a vessel that is comprised by both acoustic spaces and structural components. Good agreement is demonstrated between the two methods and the validity of the EFEA is established.