High frequency vibration energy transfer in a system of three plates connected at discrete points using statistical energy analysis

Vibration energy transfer in a system of three plates separated by a small distance and connected at a few discrete points, like solar panels in a spacecraft, is investigated. Coupling loss factors are obtained experimentally using the power injection technique. The system is then subjected to the acoustic excitation in a reverberant chamber. The measured responses of the inner plate are significant. But the measured responses of the inner plates are higher than the responses estimated based on the coupling loss factors obtained. When the system is subjected to mechanical excitation the measured responses of the inner plate closely match with the estimated responses. The difference is perhaps due to the sound radiated from the outer plates not being considered for the calculation, requiring further studies.