Boundary Element Methods in Probabilistic Acoustic Radiation Problems

Boundary Element Methods (BEM) are suited to a wide range of engineering problems, especially those of a semi-infinite nature. Examples of such problems can be found in the fluid-structure interactions of acoustic radiation and scattering problems and in the soil-structure interactions of earthquake and machine foundation problems. The required input parameters, dynamic loads, and system properties for such problems are not in general well-defined and can be considered random variables. Probabilistic structural analysis through the use of the BEM has been introduced by Ettouney et al. (1989a, 1989b) for the solution of plane elastic systems with uncertain material properties. The method was applied to solution of problems in the fields of structural and geotechnical engineering. In this work, we extend the use of this probabilistic approach to area of fluid-structure interaction by applying this technique to the problem of acoustic radiation from structures. The advantages of the probabilistic viewpoint are discussed with regard to current engineering practices. The importance of confidence estimates for criteria of nonexceedance response is emphasized.