Statistical energy analysis, validity, thermodynamics and entropy Seminar

Statistical energy analysis (SEA) is well-known method in the field of high frequency vibrations. This method is founded on an analogy with thermodynamics and is largely inspired from results of statistical mechanics. As such, the theory could be called statistical vibroacoustics.

In this seminar, we revisit the foundations of SEA and its assumptions. Interpreted in terms of thermodynamics, their examination allows to establish criteria of validity of SEA on some well-chosen dimensionless numbers. These are mode count, modal overlap, normalized attenuation factor, coupling strength.

Nowadays, the method is limited to the prediction of vibrational energies by application of the first principle of thermodynamics that is an energy balance on individual subsystems. We propose to extend SEA by introducing the second principle of thermodynamics and the concept of vibrational entropy. Explicit formula for vibrational entropies are given and discussed.