Transmission of free waves across a rib on a panel

Abstract The transmission of free waves across a rib is investigated on a singly ribbed panel. The panel is in the form of a membrane that is made to possess dispersive properties similar to those of a thin plate. Of particular interest in the investigation is the influence that fluid loading and compliant coating may have on the transmission. It is shown that the influence due to fluid loading is significant in the frequency range below, and especially in the vicinity of, the critical frequency. It is also shown that compliant coating can modify significantly the influence of fluid loading on the transmission.