Structural Dynamics and Vibro-acoustics

Our activities in structural dynamics and vibro-acoustics extend from fundamental theoretical studies, through the development of numerical tools and experimental measurement techniques to specific engineering applications. These applications include road, rail, aerospace and marine vehicles and structures, buildings, machinery and humans. We have a strong interest in ground vibration from trains as well as the detection of underground objects and pipe vibration.

Our theoretical approaches include:

• Numerical methods such as the Finite Element and Boundary Element methods
• Analytical methods such as the dynamic stiffness method and receptance methods
• Non-linear vibration including self-excited vibration
• Methods for higher frequencies such as Statistical Energy Analysis
• Methods for mid frequencies such as Component Mode Synthesis and Wave/FE
• Methods for dealing with variability in structural response
• Methods based on experimental data including structural health monitoring, model validation and updating and force identification
• Methods for the study of elastic waveguides
• Vibration and vibro-acoustics of porous and cellular media
• Asymptotic analysis

Our experimental facilities include extensive vibration measurement equipment (shakers, accelerometers, instrumented hammers, laser vibrometers)

Our research covers many methods for controlling vibration including

• Vibration isolation including non-linear isolation
• Tuned absorbers and neutralisers including tuneable devices
• Active and semi-active control of vibration
• Damping