Acoustic propagation in 3-D, rectangular ducts with flexible walls

In this article some analytic expressions for acoustic propagation in 3-D ducts of rectangular cross-section and with flexible walls are explored. Consideration is first given to the propagation of sound in an unlined 3-D duct formed by three rigid walls and closed by a thin elastic plate. An exact closed form expression for the fluid-structure coupled waves is presented. The effect of incorporating internal structures, such as a porous lining, into the duct is also discussed. Such configurations are directly relevant to the heating, ventilation and airconditioning industry.