An eigenvalue technique for analyzing structural-acoustic power efficiency

A generalized eigenvalue technique is developed for analyzing the structural-acoustic power efficiency of point force actuators. The eigenvalue technique is used to investigate the effect of actuator location and supporting boundary conditions on the power efficiency. Finite element analysis is used to compute the mode shapes of plates with boundary conditions that range from simply-supported to clamped. Power efficiency calculations are then performed for the case of a single point force actuator and an array of point force actuators. The analyses demonstrate that the power efficiency is strongly dependent on actuator location and frequency, but less dependent on the supporting boundary conditions.