Direct transfer functions and path blocking in a discrete mechanical system

In this work some issues concerning the prediction capabilities of the global transfer direct transfer (GTDT) method when blocking transmission paths in a mechanical system are addressed. The formalism of the GTDT approach, which requires no force determination, is first applied to a discrete system made of a combination of springs, dampers and masses. Then, a path blocking analysis is carried out for the cases of setting the displacement of any mass to zero and of removing some system elements. Differences with the more standard force transmission path analysis (TPA) are outlined. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.