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

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. • Development of a general framework to implement simulation-based Transfer Path Analysis using Component Mode Synthesis. • Introduction of a new dual fixed-interface CMS method: Fixed Dual Craig-Bampton (FDCBM). • Distinction of two TPA families: displacement-based (primal) and force- based (dual), and implementation of multilevel TPA. • Free-interface CMS methods are inaccurate and computationally expensive in the studied example. • The FDCBM competes with Craig-Bampton in accuracy and efficiency, and it emerges as the best candidate for force-based TPA.