We had a strong representation at ISMA 2026 in Leuven this year, with six papers lead-authored by Salford researchers. This week our lunchtime seminar gives you the chance to hear about all the exciting vibroacoustics-related research that has been going on and was disseminated there. It will take place in Newton 241 12-1pm, but will also be streamed live on Teams via this link.
Presentations
Hybrid modeling of structural intensity in complex built-up assemblies – an experimental–finite element approach
Morteza Hoseyni. Read the paper here.
This paper presents a component-based structural intensity method combining experimental source characterization with hybrid experimental/Finite-Element (FE) sub-structuring. The result is a model that describes the flow of structural energy due to the realistic operation of an attached vibration source which is rep[1]resented by invariant blocked forces. The predicted structural intensity fields from the hybrid model are validated against direct LDV measurements. Unlike conventional component-based TPA, which estimates contributions from individual source connections, the proposed method reveals energy-flow paths from the source through the receiver. This information can support targeted vibration treatments and structural modifications. The main limitation is the computational cost of FE modelling in the mid-to-high-frequency range.
Bayesian identification of joint dynamics using the dual sub-structuring framework
Martin McNulty. Read the paper here.
The dynamic behaviour of assembled structures is governed by their joints, whose properties can vary due to factors that are difficult to represent as point estimates, making deterministic modelling and identification both challenging and uncertain. We present a Bayesian framework for joint identification within the dual formulation of the frequency-based sub-structuring method that infers the interface flexibility matrix Γ directly from coupled and uncoupled admittance data. The approach combines prior predictive checks with Hamiltonian Monte Carlo sampling using the No-U-Turn Sampler (NUTS) to obtain posterior distributions over joint properties and predictions. We explore two strategies: (i) non-parametric, per-frequency inference of a complex-valued Γ via a real-valued mapping; and (ii) parametric regression using orthogonal Legendre polynomials to capture frequency dependence with a compact parameter set. We demonstrate the methodology numerically on a coupled-beam assembly.
The following will also be available as a poster for on-campus attendees:
Wave-field control for the high frequency characterisation of point-like junctions (poster)
Toby Charity. Read the paper here.
This paper investigates a wave propagation method for junction characterisation using controlled wavefields. In the mid- to high-frequency regime, where structural wavelengths become comparable to junction dimensions, there are advantages to working in a wave-based paradigm over classical modelling approaches. In these cases, junctions are characterised by their wave scattering properties, which can depend on incident angle, cylindrical wave order etc. To identify a junction’s wave scattering matrix, we use a multi-shaker setup to establish specified incident wavefields, perform wavefield decompositions using LDV data, and solve the corresponding multi-input multi-output (MIMO) problem. The methodology is demonstrated on a simple plate assembly.
The following won’t be presented but are available to read online:
Advanced Methods for the Estimation of Radiated Sound Power
Gabriel Whittle. Read the paper here.
Radiated sound power is a fundamental quantity in standardised transmission loss measurements, playing a key role in evaluating sound transmission. Conventional estimation methods often rely on diffuse field assumptions, which can introduce significant uncertainties, especially at low frequencies. More advanced techniques combine laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) with Boundary Element Method (BEM) radiation models, improving accuracy but requiring expensive instrumentation, long scan times at higher frequencies, and facing limitations for non-planar surfaces. In this paper, we investigate an alternative indirect approach based on concepts from the Equivalent Field Theorem used in the in-situ blocked force method. The method is assessed for sound transmission measurements by evaluating radiated power into a reverberant chamber, and compared with traditional LDV–BEM estimation in terms of accuracy, applicability, and practical implementation.
An output-only interface completeness metric based on generalized transmissibility
Joshua Meggitt. Read the paper here.
Interface completeness is a key requirement for the successful representation of interface dynamics, as re quired by in-situ blocked force characterization and structural decoupling. To quantify interface complete ness an FRF-based metric termed the ICC has been proposed and shown to correlate well with blocked force validations. The main limitation of the ICC is the need to complete an expensive FRF measurement campaign before being able to compute it. Ideally, one would obtain a completeness metric using only operational measurements, reducing both time and uncertainty. In the present paper we formulate a transmissibility-based completeness metric using output-only measurements. By using the constraints present within the transmissibility definition, we are able to mathematically constrain an interface using only operational response. If complete, the transmissibilities that traverse the interface should be zero. We use this fact to establish a Transmissibility-based ICC (TICC).