Decoupling approximations for structural acoustic interactions

The model problem of acoustic scattering by a baffled membrane is formally cast as a dual integral equation. A class of approximations are made to the equation's kernel and each gives rise to an analytically solvable problem. Each of these approximate problems corresponds to an existing physical theory which was derived in a complete by different manner. The present method of analysis systematically deduces these theories, suggests potentially useful new ones, and indicates where more theoretical studies are required.