Vibration transmission path analysis of underwater vehicle power plant based on TPA power flow

Abstract

In order to obtain the energy contribution of all paths transmitting vibration from the underwater vehicle power plant to the outer shell, a new method named TPA (Transfer Path Analysis) power flow which combines classical TPA and power flow theory was proposed. Calculation results showed that isolators were the critical paths for transmitting vibration energy to the shell in low frequency band. In addition the main engine and sea water pump were critical vibration sources, which provided directions for reducing the vibration energy transmitted from vibration sources to the target body. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first time to assess the vibration transmission path of the underwater vehicle by TPA power flow method. This method can be employed in other works that need to evaluate the contribution of vibration energy.