David G. Crighton
Dept. of Appl. Math. & Theor. Phys., Univ. of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9EW, UK
An analytically and computationally tractable model for the response of complex fluid-loaded structures is that of a plane elastic plate or membrane subject to static fluid loading and single-frequency localized mechanical drive, and reinforced by a number of parallel ``ribs'' in regular, partially ordered, or random configurations. Coupling along the structure is provided by subsonic surface waves (equivalent to nearest-neighbor mechanical coupling) and by long-range acoustic/hydrodynamic fields. A variety of analytical and computational studies carried out by the Cambridge group will be presented, showing large effects of an isolated irregularity, Anderson localization in extensively irregular configurations under surface wave coupling, and delocalization (short circuiting) by weak long-range fields. [Work supported by ONR, Code 1132SM.]