Mobility power flow analysis of connected thick plates with a step discontinuity

In this thesis the flow of vibration power between two coupled, finite plates of arbitrary thicknesses is considered using a Mobility Power Flow (MPF) approach. The plate structure is divided into substructures and mobility functions are determined for the independent substructures. Power flow expressions are derived based on continuity of forces and displacements. The solution presented here considers the effects of both in-plane waves and out-of-plane waves. The solution is applicable to frequencies below the first mode of thickness-shear vibration. The results obtained show that at low frequencies, the out-of-plane waves dominate in the transmission of vibrational power. However, at high frequencies or for thick plates, the in-plane waves play a significant role in the power transmission through the plate.