A variational solution of 2-D sound-structure interaction problems

Based on the fluid-structure coupling theory, a localized variational principle for analyzing the sound radiation from elastic structure submerged in water due to harmonic excitations is presented. It will be a powerful tool to formulate various numerical methods for steady response of structural-acoustic systems. By means of this variational principle a hybrid element method, in which an analytical solution valid in most of the surrounding water is incorporated with finite elements distributed in the structure and its neighboring water, is devised. Computational examples are then given to demonstrate its high accuracy and time saving.