Structural–Acoustic Response Analysis of Variable Stiffness Laminates with Inherent Material Damping

Abstract

Sound radiation and transmission loss characteristics of variable stiffness composite plate reinforced with the curvilinear fibers are investigated numerically. The formulation is developed using higher-order shear flexible finite element model combined with Helmholtz wave equation. The governing equations obtained using Hamilton’s approach are further solved through the modal super position method to analyze the vibration response under steady state excitation. The inherent material damping of the laminate is accounted through the modal damping calculated using the modal strain energy approach. The acoustic pressure of the variable stiffness laminates is estimated using the Raleigh integral. Subsequently, acoustic response characteristics such as acoustic power level, radiation efficiency, directivity pattern, and transmission loss from the laminates are predicted using the estimated sound pressure for various forcing frequencies. A parametric study covering a wide range of design variables including center and edge fiber angles, lamination scheme, thickness ratio, and boundary conditions on the acoustic sound behavior arising from the vibration of curvilinear fiber composite plate is detailed. This study reveals that the acoustic response of the curvilinear fiber composite plate is significantly influenced by the curvilinear fiber angles at the center/edge fiber angle of the layers. It is hoped that the results obtained here will be useful for designers in developing structures with desired acoustic response characteristics.