History of structural acoustics and vibrations in the Acoustical Society of America

Abstract

Structural acoustics refers to the interaction of sound and structures—the response of structures to sound, the radiation of sound from vibrating structures, and the effect of the acoustic medium on the structural vibrations. Interest in these subjects increased greatly during the 1930s and 40s because of practical applications in the design of microphones and loud speakers used in telephones, radios, and electronic phonographs. The combination of electrical and mechanical systems lead to the use of electrical engineering concepts such as impedance, circuits, and electrical analogies, in the analysis of mechanical systems. In later years, much of the work dealt with various aspects of underwater structures, prompted by U.S. Navy interests. The field, which began with classical analytical mechanics applications, has progressed to new approaches, including statistical energy analysis, near-field acoustical holography, fuzzy structures, active control of vibrations, and smart materials. In recognition of these new developments, the name of the technical committee was changed in 1987 from ‘‘Shock and Vibration’’ to ‘‘Structural Acoustics and Vibration.’’