DESIGN APPROACH FOR MINIMIZING SOUND POWER FROM VIBRATING SHELL STRUCTURES

A design approach for minimizing sound power radiation from vibrating thin shell structures is presented. The method couples finite element analysis for determining structural modes and vibrations with a bounda ry element/wave superposition code for determining sound power radiati on. Noise reduction is accomplished herein by optimal placement and si zing of small point masses on the structure. These masses alter the cr itical mode shapes so as to reduce sound power. The simulated annealin g technique is used to determine the location and/or magnitude of the point masses. A computer program has been developed for design. Design examples are presented with the use of the computer program.