STRUCTURAL INTENSITY CALCULATIONS FOR COMPLIANT PLATE–BEAM STRUCTURES CONNECTED BY BEARINGS

Abstract A computational strategy, based on component mobility and modal synthesis approaches, is described to calculate structural power flow through multi-dimensional connections such as rolling element bearings and joints. Research issues are discussed in the context of narrow band frequency analysis methods for vibration energy transmission and dissipation. Through the example case of a beam (shaft), ball bearings and an elastic machinery casing plate, the structural intensity calculation procedure is illustrated. A new pre-synthesis algorithm is outlined which is utilized to determine the effective stiffness of ball bearings while accounting for the compliance of the neighbouring structure. The finite element method is used to facilitate computations and to generate structural intensity results in the post-synthesis mode. Sample results are included along with a discussion of various research issues.