Experimental Investigation on Vibro-Acoustic Characteristics of Stiffened Plate Structures with Different Welding Parameters

Varied welding process parameters result in different welding energy inputs and welding residual stresses, significantly impacting the vibro-acoustic characteristics. This work investigated the influence of different welding energy inputs on the vibro-acoustic characteristics of the stiffened plate structure. Several experiments on the stiffened plate structure with different welding energy inputs were conducted regarding modal, underwater vibration, and acoustic radiation. The results revealed that welding energy input had the most significant impact on the first-order natural frequency, and the impact first becomes higher and subsequently decreases as welding energy input increases. The welding energy input had relatively little effect on the peak point distribution of vibration and acoustic radiation curves but could affect the peak point amplitude. With the increase in welding energy input, the overall vibration acceleration level and sound radiation level in each frequency band decreased and then increased. The best result was obtained when the welding energy input was 167 J/cm with a welding current of 200 A, a welding voltage of 25 V, and a welding speed of 3.02–3.06 mm/s. Based on construction technology, this research can provide some instructive insights for enhancing the acoustic stealth performance of ships and marine structures.