Low Frequency Sound Radiation from Finite Stiffened Plates

The purpose of the research effort reported herein was to assess the feasibility of developing efficient low frequency acoustic radiators using flexural vibration of submerged stiffened plates. Candidate radiator geometries were identified at NUWC using an infinite plate model. A finite plate implementation of these models was then examined by the author using an analysis capability previously developed. The purpose of this examination was to study the extent to which infinite plate results could be achieved by a finite radiator, and to obtain an estimate of the effects of plate size and number of attached ribs on the radiation characteristics.