Modelling of Train Floor Sound Transmission using Coupled FE-SEA analysis

A hybrid FE-SEA numerical method is applied to calculate transmission and radiation properties of periodic structures typical for railway design. Train floor structures made from extruded aluminium profiles with and without interiors are analysed. Such structures are common in rail vehicle design, in particular for high speed vehicles, and are typically subject to various noise control measures. Accurate and effective simulation models are key to reaching the acoustic design targets while respecting weight and cost budgets. The simulation concept applied, rests on that an accurate Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) representation of the structure is determined from a small FE model consisting of a few cells of the periodic structure. The FE model can be kept small and computationally efficient and the system model can for this reason be used for parametric studies of the effect of design changes. Calculated transmission loss results are found to compare well to measured data. Also, mechanical power inputs due to point force excitation as well as radiation efficiencies are calculated and compared to measured data.