On analysis and optimization in structural acoustics - Part I: Problem formulation and solution techniques

This paper is devoted to problems of structural-acoustic coupling with emphasis on analysis, design sensitivity analysis and optimization. The paper is divided into two parts, and it is the aim of Part I to (i) give a brief survey of recent developments in sensitivity analysis and sound emission and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) design of acoustically loaded structures, and (ii) discuss alternative objective functions and optimization formulations for structural acoustics. The aims of Part II are to (i) present consistent numerical techniques commonly used for treatment of coupled structural and acoustic dynamics, (ii) use the structural optimization tool ODESSY for solution of several coupled problems, and (iii) compare the numerical efficiency of alternative techniques and the relevance of selected objective functions.