Analysis of a fluid-loaded thick plate

Abstract

Abstract : The physics of a thick plate with fluid loading on both sides provides the theoretical basis for insertion loss and echo reduction tests, both of which are typically used to determine how efficiently a material transmits or reflects energy. Such testing is conducted by insonifying a submerged, slab-shaped sample and then measuring the transmitted and reflected sound pressure. Based on the sound pressure level of the incident field, the insertion loss and echo reduction quantities can be calculated. when these experiments are performed in a small tank, the wall motion of the sample is sometimes measured, with the fluid pressure then calculated based on this displacement. The above measurements and corresponding theory are important to the U.S. Navy because they help designers develop the most effective acoustic sonar windows, sonar and ship baffles, and anechoic marine coatings.