Structural Acoustics: Deterministic and Random Phenomena

From jet engine noise that generates vibrations in the structure of an aircraft, to the sound radiation from the hull of a ship or submarine that makes it identifiable, an understanding of structural acoustics is key in the design process in maritime, automotive, aerospace, and architectural engineering. Building on classic works in the field, Structural Acoustics: Deterministic and Random Phenomena presents fundamental concepts, relations, and simplified methods for calculating complex problems associated with vibrations and noise issues of automobiles, ships, submarines, and aircraft. This practical reference studies the response of structures and media that are coupled with a fluid and are under static, dynamic, and random loading.

Simplified solutions to complicated problems

Starting with a review of the fundamentals of acoustics and structural acoustics, the book discusses the response of the beams, plates, and shells that compose most built-up structures before providing methods for solving problems of built-up systems, including a procedure for computing the response of an elastic or viscoelastic media without resorting to a large computer program. Building on this analysis, the second section develops the analysis for random loading, which can also be applied to geophysical phenomena and viscoelastic media. Proceeding from the fundamental aspects of simple structures to more complicated cases with more involved loading, the book presents formulas and applications for random loading.

By providing a fundamental understanding of sound radiation in air and water, this book shows readers how to solve structural and acoustical problems. An important reference for those working in the area of acoustics and vibration analysis, it also includes computer programs for acoustical analysis available at www.crcpress.com.

Dr. Greenspon received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from The Johns Hopkins University. While studying for his doctoral degree, he also taught Applied Mechanics for several years at the University. Upon completion of his course work, he was employed by the David Taylor Model Basin to do studies on ship vibrations. He completed the original research for his doctoral thesis in vibrations of thick cylindrical shells.

He subsequently worked for the Martin Marietta Corporation doing research in panel flutter. He established a consultancy firm―JG Engineering Research Associates―and continued doing research under contract to the United States Army and Navy, in the areas of vibrations, sound radiation, and structures subject to blast and fragmentation.

Dr. Greenspon was awarded the Silver Medal in Engineering Acoustics by The Acoustical Society of America for the solution of underwater radiation and scattering problems. He also served as an Associate Editor of the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America for 20 years. He was a member of the Acoustical Society of America, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Dr. Greenspon passed away in February 2011, a few months before the publication of this book.