Numerical modelling in building acoustics using statistical energy analysis

Statistical energy analysis (SEA) is a framework of analysis that combines the classical analytic theories with the flexibility of a modular or elemental approach to produce a flexible and workable numerical framework for acoustic performance. For SEA modelling the system (the building as a whole) is divided into subsystems. Each subsystem is a room, a wall or a floor in which the sound or vibration level is (more or less) independent of position for all forms of excitation. To model sound transmission through a wall using SEA requires only three subsystems (two rooms and one wall), in contrast to finite-element methods (FEMs). Also, in FEM the coupling between the elements can be modelled by a spring. In SEA the nature of the coupling is more complicated and will take a different form for each different type of subsystem. However, for most situations there are usable classical analytic solutions.