A framework for the propagation of uncertainty in Transfer Path Analysis

Meggitt, JWR; Moorhouse, AT; Weinen, K; Sturm, M

Abstract

Transfer Path Analysis (TPA) is a test-based methodology used to analyse the propagation of noise and vibration
in complex systems. In this paper we present a covariance based framework for the propagation of experimental
uncertainty in classical, blocked force, and component-based TPA procedures. The presence of both complex and
correlated uncertainty is acknowledged through a bivariate description of the underlying uncertainty. The framework
is summarised by a series of equations that propagate uncertainty through the various stages of a TPA procedure i.e.
inverse source characterisation, dynamic sub-structuring, and forward response prediction. The uncertainty associated
with rank ordering of source contributions is also addressed. To demonstrate the proposed framework a numerical simulation is presented, the results of which are compared against Monte-Carlo methods with good agreement obtained.
An experimental study is also presented, where a blocked force TPA is performed on an electric steering system. The
proposed uncertainty framework requires no additional experimental effort over and above what is performed in a
standard TPA and may therefore be readily implemented into current TPA practices.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 29, 2020
• Online Publication Date: May 7, 2020
• Publication Date: Sep 29, 2020
• Deposit Date: Apr 30, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 19, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Sound and Vibration
• Print ISSN: 0022-460X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 483
• Pages: 115425
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2020.115425
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2020.115425
• Related Public URLs: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-sound-and-vibration/
• Additional Information: Funders : Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); Projects : EMBED; Grant Number: EP/P005489/1