Structural Acoustics and Vibration: Which came first, the sound or the vibration?

Abstract

Structural acoustics may be defined as a multidisciplinary coupled field of physics usually referring to the characterization of either (1) the sound power emitted by a vibrating structure subjected to external dynamic excitation or (2) the vibrational response of structures excited by incident sound fields or fluid excitation. The Structural Acoustics and Vibration (SAV) Technical Committee is a diverse group of scientists and engineers sharing a common interest and shared stewardship in the health and advancement of the SAV technical discipline. In addition to the fundamental scientific study of the underlying SAV physics which is important to all SAV practitioners, there is also interest on the practical real-world, application of the SAV science to predict, control, and potentially reduce the vibroacoustic response of given structural acoustic systems. This paper begins by providing a fundamental definition of the underlying physics governing the SAV technical discipline. The numerous categories and subdivisions within the general SAV area are then addressed, along with illustrations of the broad array of scientific and engineering real-world applications in the field. Following that, examples of interesting career options as well as exciting new research areas in SAV are presented. Finally, this paper concludes with information regarding the makeup, functioning, and administrative philosophy of the SAVTC.