The U. S. Navy has identified the need to develop accurate noise and vibration prediction methods for ship structures. Since testing at the prototype level is time-consuming and expensive, analytical modeling is used to reduce the need for physical testing. It is critical that the analytical predictions be both accurate and timely to avoid the need for redesign, which can be even more costly. Therefore any improvements to existing modeling and prediction capabilities that would increase accuracy or improve ease-of-use would result in large cost savings for the Navy. Cambridge Collaborative proposes to develop an Energy Finite Element Analysis (EFEA) software package that provides 1) accurate predictions of energy distribution across structural subsystems, 2) radiated noise signatures, and 3) interior noise predictions. Our proposed EFEA software will be integrally linked to our existing statistical energy analysis (SEA) commercial software package, and will be able to integrate with finite element, boundary element, and other Navy ship design software products. It will take advantage of our existing graphical user interface with 3D design and presentation capabilities. It will also incorporate innovative research performed under this proposal in the areas of partial fluid loading, mixed phase materials, and free surface radiation effects.
