Coupled flexural-longitudinal wave motion in a periodic beam☆

Abstract Periodic structure theory is used to study the interactions between flexural and longitudinal wave motion in a beam (representing a plate) to which offset spring-mounted masses (representing stiffeners) are attached at regular intervals. An equation for the propagation constants of the coupled waves is derived. The response of a semi-infinite periodic beam to a harmonic force or moment at the finite end is analyzed in terms of the characteristic free waves corresponding to these propagation constants. Computer results are presented which show how the propagation constants are affected by the coupling, and how the forced response varies with distance from the excitation point. The spring-mounted masses can provide very high attenuation of both longitudinal and flexural waves when no coupling is present, but when coupling is introduced the two waves combine to give very low (or zero) attenuation of the longitudinal wave. The influence of different damping levels on spatial attenuation is also studied.