Three-dimensional finite element modeling of hydroacoustic diaphragms: Structural reinforcement effect of acoustic characters

The design of the piston driven diaphragm is critical for underwater acoustic sound generators. The reinforcement beams can be used to alter the acoustic performance of the diaphragm. A 3 D finite element (FE) model was established to study the effect of different sized reinforcement beams using the pressure acoustic and solid mechanical models. The underwater sound pressure level (SPL) and eigenfrequencies were analyzed to evaluate the acoustic performance of the diaphragms. The results show that the large reinforcement beam sizes change the eigenfrequencies and the sound pressure.