Active control of low-frequency sound radiation from vibrating panel using planar sound sources

Active control of low frequency sound radiation using planar secondary sources is theoretically investigated in this paper. The primary sound field originates from a vibrating panel and the planar sources are modeled as simply supported rectangular panels in an infinite baffle. The sound power of the primary and secondary panels are calculated using a near field approach, and then a series of formulas are derived to obtain the optimum reduction in sound power based on minimization of the total radiate sound power. Finally, active reduction for a number of secondary panel arrangements is examined and it is concluded that when the modal distribution of the secondary panel does not coincide with that of the primary panel, one secondary panel is sufficient. Otherwise four secondary panels can guarantee considerable reduction in sound power over entire frequency range of interest.