Low frequency structural and acoustic responses of a submarine hull under eccentric axial excitation from the propulsion system

Abstract

A model to describe the low frequency dynamic and acoustic responses of a submarine hull subject to an eccentric harmonic propeller shaft excitation is presented. The submarine is modelled as a fluid-loaded, ring stiffened cylindri-cal shell with internal bulkheads and conical end caps. The stiffeners are introduced using a smeared approach. A harmonic axial force is introduced by the propeller and is transmitted to the hull through the shaft. It results in excita-tion of the accordion modes only if the force is symmetrically distributed to the structure. Otherwise the excitation can be modelled as the sum of a distributed load and a moment applied to the edge of the hull. This leads to excitation of the higher order circumferential modes that can result in high noise signature. Structural and acoustic responses are presented in terms of deformation shapes and directivity patterns for the radiated sound pressure. Results for the case of purely axisymmetric excitation and the case in which an eccentricity is introduced are compared.