On the dynamic response of flexible structures coupled through viscous fluid layers

Abstract

The dynamic response of planar flexible structures that are coupled to each other through viscous fluid layer forces is considered. The fluid-structural interaction can occur over a partial or over the complete span of the structures. The linear vibration of the coupled system is analyzed in the frequency domain using the Green's function method. Interactions between the structural response and the fluid layer are described by the impedance function. The impedance function depends on the structural response, the frequency of the coupled system response, and the spatial location of the fluid layers. As an illustrative example for the proposed method, the vibration response of two stringlike structures (second-order problem) that are placed very close to each other and separated by a fluid layer is studied. The fluid is assumed to be incompressible, and the impedance function is given in a recent publication [C. A. Tan and C. D. Mote, Jr., ASME J. Tribology (to appear)]. The frequency response of this coupled system under different excitation forces is examined.