Experimental Vibro-Acoustics: In-Situ and Blocked Force Methods for Component-Based Simulation and Virtual Prototyping

Experimental Vibro-acoustics is the first comprehensive practical engineering guide for the effective use of measured vibro-acoustic data in a component-based approach to the analysis, simulation, virtual prototyping and ’digital twinning’ of machines and mechanical systems.

The book provides practical techniques which cover measurement, data processing and uncertainties and includes many ’tricks of the trade.’ It also includes a range of case studies and a detailed walk-through example in a tutorial style. Further, it focuses on the in situ blocked force method, now a full international standard, through which many of the developments in the component-based approach have been based.

This book is essential for design engineers in vibration, acoustics and structural dynamics diagnosing and troubleshooting vibro-acoustic problems in machines and mechanical systems, as well as simulation of existing and virtual assemblies. It extends beyond the core of the automotive industries, to new applications in air, rail and marine transport, as well as for domestic and industrial equipment and buildings and is relevant to both researchers and industrial engineers.

Andy Moorhouse is best known as the lead author of the In-situ Blocked Force Method which is of central importance to subject of this book. He has worked in the vibro-acoustics field since starting his PhD in 1985, most notably in pioneering in situ measurement methods in vibro-acoustics. He was Professor of Engineering Acoustics and Vibration, as well as Director of the Acoustics Laboratories at the University of Salford between 2007 and 2021 and Convener of ISO TC43 Working group 57 which led to the publication of the in situ ISO 20270 in 2019. He was prin- ciple investigator of a number of funded projects, supervised 16 PhDs to completion and produced numerous technical reports for the UK government. In 2018 he was awarded the prestigious Institute of Acoustics Engineering Medal for outstanding contributions in the field of acoustical engineering. He is a chartered engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Acoustics. He is also a performer and composer jazz music and has had various compositions played on local and national radio.

Joshua Meggitt has been working in the area of blocked forces, component-based simulation and virtual prototyping since starting his PhD in 2013. In this time he has contributed to the field by: presenting one of the first experimental studies combining blocked forces with dynamics sub-structuring (2014), developing an in-situ charac- terisation method for vibration isolators (2015), formulating a rigorous uncertainty framework for blocked forces, sub-structuring and TPA (2020), and establishing a metric for assessing interface completeness (2020). Joshua regularly works along- side industry, offering both contractual research and PhD supervision. In addition to this, he frequently delivers bespoke training on blocked force and virtual proto- typing methods. In 2023 Josh received the prestigious Tyndall medal from the UK’s Institute of Acoustics in recognition of his achievement and services in the field of acoustics.