A Hybrid Finite Element / Finite Difference Time Domain Technique for Modelling the Acoustics of Surfaces Within a Medium

The paper will explore the interaction of vibrating structures with an acoustic medium such as air by the hybridisation of a time integrated sparse node finite element based technique with the finite difference time domain method. In this paper the technique will be employed to model frequency dependant reflection and absorption of surfaces though it could have wider application in modelling sound generation from forced structure vibration. The results of virtual impedance tube and frequency sweep experiments will demonstrate the technique's potential for modelling architectural surfaces and resonant absorbers.