Partial scaling of finite element models for the analysis of the coupling between short and long structural wavelengths

Abstract This work deals with the analysis of the coupling between long and short structural wavelengths on simple test configurations. The aim is pursued using standard and scaled finite element models. The first is the classical one based on the sampling of the given wavelength; the second is built by scaling only the finite element model of the component carrying the shortest waves. The physical domain carrying the shortest waves is thus reduced and its original damping is increased to recover the correct energy response. The results highlight the limits and the advantages of such scaling procedure in analysing the specific coupling schemes.