Wave propagation in complex built-up structures – tackling quasi-periodicity and inhomogeneity

Project description

Computing the dynamic response of modern aerospace, automotive and civil structures can be a computationally challenging task. Characterising the structural dynamics in terms of waves in a uniform or periodic medium is often an important first step in understanding the principal propagating wave modes.

Real mechanical structures are rarely fully periodic or homogeneous – variations in shape or thickness, boundaries and intersections as well as curvature destroy the perfect symmetry. The aim of the project is to extend periodic structure theory to wave propagation in quasi-periodic and inhomogeneous media such as stiffened structures. The modelling of waves can then be recast in terms of Bloch theory, which will be modified by using appropriate energy or flux conservation assumptions. The information about the propagating modes will then be implemented into modern high-frequency wave methods – such as the so-called Dynamical Energy Analysis developed in Nottingham - making it possible to compute the vibrational response of structures with arbitrary complexity at large frequencies.