Using analytical/numerical matching with finite element analysis to solve a fluid-loaded structural dynamics problem
Two model problems are solved using a combination of Analytical/Numerical Matching (ANM) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The first problem is that of a thick, finite length beam driven by the motion of a small rigid support attached to its lower boundary. The second problem is a thick, infinitely long fluid-loaded beam driven by the motion of periodically spaced rigid supports (identical to the support of the first problem). The ANM process divides an original problem into local, matching, and global sub-problems through the use of a smooth force and the principle of superposition. In the two model problems presented, the same high-resolution local (in vacuo) problem is solved using FEA. The fluid loading effects can be accounted for entirely by the global problem. The problems presented show that ANM is a computationally efficient method that retains the high accuracy needed near structural discontinuities.
