Space average and wave interference in vibration conductivity

Plane wave interference and space averages play a significant role in the derivation of some vibration conductivity equations that are becoming more and more popular in modelling vibroacoustic problems. Particularly, the thermal approach and the modified vibration conductivity equations are here considered with the aim of establishing similarities and/or differences between them and stating relevant consequences. It is shown by formal developments that the thermal equation is obtained under the assumption of performing appropriate space averages, while the modified vibration conductivity equation does not need, in some cases, this condition. It is discussed, however, that in practical applications the conditions of validity of both approaches are quite similar. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.