A framework for simulation-based transfer path analysis using dynamic substructuring and component mode synthesis

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation-based framework for Transfer Path Analysis (TPA) using Dynamic Substructuring (DS) and Component Mode Synthesis (CMS) in the context of Finite Element Analysis. A new CMS method is introduced, which combines fixed-interface and constraint modes within a dual assembly formulation, referred to as the Fixed-dual Craig-Bampton Method. The framework enables the application of DS and CMS techniques for Multilevel TPA, offering a structured approach to trace vibration transmission through hierarchical vibrating sublevels. Two families of TPA are defined and investigated: displacement-based (primal) and force-based (dual). A detailed structural example is provided to benchmark several CMS methods and to evaluate the trade-offs between computational efficiency and accuracy in numerical TPA. The results highlight the advantages of Multilevel TPA in isolating critical substructures. The benchmark analysis establishes the Craig-Bampton Method (primal) and the novel Fixed-dual Craig-Bampton Method (dual) as the most suitable CMS approaches for numerical TPA. Finally, displacement-based and force-based TPA results are compared. Both approaches exhibit different contribution results, leading to different interpretations of the Transfer Path Analysis.