Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Winter 2012

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Committee Chair

Dr. Andrew Piacsek, Physics Department

Second Committee Member

Dr. Michael Jackson, Physics Department

Third Committee Member

Dr. Audrey D. Huerta, Director Science Honors Research Program

Abstract

Three-dimensional finite-element modeling of the resonance behavior of thin spherical shells is done with the COMSOL multi-physics software package and comparisons are made with experimental data and theoretical predictions. Computational models of the sell in vacuo, and with water inside, are tested. Results in vacuo show a 1% agreement in the very thin shell (h/R=1/250, for thickness h and radius R). Three experimentally measured resonance frequencies below 8500 Hz of the water filled shell are predicted computationally to within 25 Hz. Other spectral similarities and discrepancies are discussed qualitatively. The data suggests that the COMSOL finite element method includes the effects of rotary inertias and transverse shears. Future applications of the COMSOL modeling approach include the computation of changes in resonance frequencies due to an increase in the shell's interior pressure, which may lead to noninvasive method for monitoring human intracranial pressure.

Comments

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