A Solution of a Mixed Boundary Value Problem—Acoustic Pressure Fields in a Finite Container

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of different boundary conditions in calculating pressure fields corresponding to incipient cavitation. We have utilized a technique which allows us to obtain a numerical solution of this problem for various frequencies and geometrical configurations. Our results provide evidence that determination of the pressure field is not only a function of depth but also a strong function of radius and whether or not the end conditions involve the use of a baffle. We have found that, particularly at the higher frequencies, the changing of the boundary conditions will cause large variations and differences in the pressure field. The numerical technique provides a method which allows the calculation of mixed boundary value problems associated with the reduced wave equation in finite domains. The technique specifies known error bounds. However, the distribution of errors over the domain is unknown.