Modelling the vibrational response of structures to high-frequency turbulent boundary layer excitation

Finn, Joshua; Tanner, Gregor; Richter, Martin

Abstract

Modelling the response of complex built-up structures under the influence of distributed and correlated high-frequency force fields is an important aspect in many structural dynamics applications. A prime example of such a forcing is the pressure field applied by a Turbulent Boundary Layer (TBL) on an aircraft in flight. Previous studies focus on the total vibrational power input into the structure and do not consider spatial variations or directional components of the energy input introduced due to correlated forcing. We will close this gap by demonstrating how correlated force fields can be implemented as the source term in a Dynamical Energy Analysis (DEA) treatment determining the resulting vibrational energy distribution in a complex structure. Using Wigner-transformation techniques, we convert force-correlation functions (such as those routinely used to describe TBL excitations) into directional ray-source terms which then provide the source for a DEA treatment. Results are presented for the vibrational energy distribution across a flat plate excited by a fully formed, stationary TBL under a variety of flow conditions. We note that even though the excitation is spatially uniform across the plate, there is a preference for energy to flow in the downstream direction. This leads to a marked enhanced of the vibrational excitation at the trailing edge of the plate.

Citation

Finn, J., Tanner, G., & Richter, M. (2025). Modelling the vibrational response of structures to high-frequency turbulent boundary layer excitation. Journal of Sound and Vibration, 611, Article 119097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2025.119097

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 4, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Apr 17, 2025
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2025
• Deposit Date: Apr 20, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 6, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Sound and Vibration
• Print ISSN: 0022-460X
• Electronic ISSN: 1095-8568
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 611
• Article Number: 119097
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2025.119097
• Keywords: High-frequency vibro-acoustics, Turbulent boundary layer excitation, Dynamical Energy Analysis, Correlated sources, Corcos modell
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/47944529
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022460X25001713?via%3Dihub