A review of analytical methods for aircraft structures subjected to high-intensity random acoustic loads

A review of the acoustic fatigue design process for aircraft structures is presented in this paper, together with the current design guides, which are used to predict the stresses that an acousticallly loaded aircraft structure may experience in service. These methods are based on linear theory and use the single-degree-of-freedom approximation method. A recent programme of research which uses this method together with the finite element method to predict the root mean square strains experienced by acoustically excited, doubly curved sandwich panels is briefly discussed. Recent developments in prediction methods based on the non-linear dynamic response of thermoacoustic loaded structures are reviewed, and suggestions are made as to possible future directions in the area of acoustic fatigue research