Use of decoupling to reduce the radiated noise generated by panels

Four types of sources that induce on a panel four different responses are considered. The differences show up also in the way the responses radiate to the far field. A decoupling device in a form of a layer is placed adjacent to the top surface of the panel. The decoupling layer modifies the radiated fields that the sources generate. The modifications in terms of radiation reduction factors and levels are defined. These factors and levels are analyzed for two kinds of decoupling layers. The first is a compliant coating and the second is a layer of a mixture of gas and fluid. The compliant coating may induce on the fluid a velocity field that is different from that of the panel. The mixture of gas and fluid introduces a surface impedance discontinuity between the top surface of the panel and the top surface of the layer, the top surface being in contact with the semi-infinite fluid above the panel.