Nonlinear standing waves in a closed tub

Simplified nonlinear evolution equations describing nonsteady-state forced vibrations in an acoustic resonator having one closed end and the other end periodically oscillating are derived. An approach is used based on a nonlinear functional equation. This approach is shown to be equivalent to the version of the successive approximation method developed in 1964 by Chester. It is explained how the acoustic field in the cavity is described as a sum of counterpropagating waves with no cross-interaction. The nonlinear Q-factor and the nonlinear frequency response of the resonator are calculated for steady-state oscillations of both inviscid and dissipative media. The general expression for the mean intensity of the acoustic wave in terms of the characteristic value of a Mathieu function is derived. Some results from a perturbation calculation of the wave profile are given