Statistical energy analysis simulation of an air-handling cabinet

Statistical energy analysis (SEA) is a vibro-acoustic modeling technique suitable for systems where high modal densities exist. Traditionally SEA is used for predicting system response in higher frequency bands. However, for systems such as an air-handler that contain large, flat panels constructed of sheet metal the usefulness of SEA stretches into mid and lower frequency bands as well. Measured results of an air-handling cabinet were obtained by spatially averaging accelerations of cabinet surfaces caused by an input of white noise into the cabinet side by a shaker. Energy from each sub-panel of the cabinet was normalized with the panel into which the energy was input for easy comparison with modeled data. A simplified model of the air-handling cabinet processed in VA One software yielded results generally within 10 dB of measured results. Some lower frequency band limitations were realized due to cabinet geometry and construction. These results focus primarily on the structure and less so on the acoustic volume of the air-handling cabinet.