Abstract
This paper uses numerical approach to give insight into the structural-acoustic response of a lightweight square aluminium panel. It takes into consideration different locations of a primary sound source in an acoustic medium and how these locations influence the response of the structural panel. Finite element method as well as the first-order deformation theory are employed for constructing the numerical model. Experimental measurements of the mode shapes and velocity frequency response of the vibrating panel are used to validate the results of the finite element model. Furthermore, vibro-acoustic emission indexes such as sound transmission loss, sound pressure level and far-field directivity of sound pressure are obtained numerically. The results show that different locations of the primary sound source significantly influence the response of the structural panel to reduce noise. Sound source typically positioned close to the structural panel lowers the efficiency of the vibrating panel to reduce noise. Moreover, the sound distribution profiles at the radiated end of the vibrating panel for the different locations of the sound source are investigated. The study shows that the variation of the zones of quiet, vibro-acoustic emission parameters and sound distribution profiles obtained can provide vital information about the best positioning of structural source for both active vibration and noise control.