Efficient Implementation of Random Pressure Fields with the Finite Element Method

An efficient technique is developed for use with the finite element method for the vibration prediction of structures subjected to random, spatially distributed excitation pressure fields. User input to the finite element code and computation time are minimized by taking advantage of reciprocity within the finite element model. The technique is applied to a simple panel subjected to turbulent boundary layer and reverberent field excitations, and results are compared to those obtained through classical normal mode theory.