Abstract: Vibro-acoustic testing is an effective approach to the investigation of structural dynamics subject to high-intensity acoustic environments.However, creating a high-intensity and broad frequency acoustic environment remains a challenge in the laboratory.To reduce the dependence on a severe environment during a vibro-acoustic test, we propose an equivalence technique to obtain a completely consistent dynamic response using a scaled model subject to equivalent external forces.This technique can assess the structural vibration caused by different external forces, including concentrated forces, monopole surface sound sources and reverberation field.To validate the equivalence method, we compare the results achieved by different methods, including numerical computations, ground measurements and the equivalence method, proving that the equivalence method based on a scale model can better predict the dynamic response of the prototype.In addition, the effects of the supporting boundary and material effect on the equivalence method are also discussed and the application scope of the equivalence method further extended.

Key words: equivalence method, vibro-acoustic, thin-walled structure, dynamic response, broadband