A general approach is developed to compute the time‐dependent velocities of transducers within an array resulting from a set of prescribed electrical inputs. It is noted that the effect of the dynamic response of a transducer of any complexity and the effect of the time‐dependent mutual interactions are included within the approach which is based on a Green's function solution to an initial boundary value problem. The solution of the initial boundary value problem is reduced to a set of time‐domain‐coupled convolution integral equations which can be easily solved on a digital computer. In addition to presenting a clear physical understanding of the transient behavior of arrays, the approach leads to a more basic understanding of array operation and limitations caused by its transient response. Specific application of the approach to the analysis of planar arrays mounted in rigid baffles is discussed and related to earlier work. Finally, a simple numerical example is presented to verify the approach and offer insight into the behavior of coupled systems exhibiting array‐type characteristics.