Scattering of sound from a fluid-loaded cylindrical shell with a finite length mass inhomogeneity

The problem investigated in this thesis is that of an infinite, fluid-loaded, elastic cylindrical shell with an inhomogeneity of finite length excited by an acoustic plane wave. Seven inhomogeneities are considered to examine the parameters that influence the scattering. A full numerical approach and an iterative approach are developed to solve the shell and acoustic equations of motion expressed in the wavenumber domain. The response Green's function in the spatial domain is obtained using the hybrid analytical numerical technique, while the far-field scattered pressure is obtained by applying the Stationary Phase approximation. An analytical approach for the special case of a concentrated ring is developed, and the results compared to those from the full numerical solution. The range of applicability of the iterative approach is also investigated. The results show that the scattering pattern is a function of the spectral contents of the inhomogeneity distribution, and that the inhomogeneity mass influenced both the scattering pattern, and the scattering level. From the results it was also noted that an oblique angle of incidence steered the main lobe of the scattering pattern in the direction of the incoming acoustic wave. It is also demonstrated that the concentrated ring is usually a poor model to represent inhomogeneity of finite length.