On an Integrated Transfer Matrix method for multiply connected mufflers

The commercial automotive mufflers are generally of a complicated shape with multiply connected parts and complex acoustic elements. The analysis of such complex mufflers has always been a great challenge. In this paper, an Integrated Transfer Matrix method has been developed to analyze complex mufflers. Integrated transfer matrix relates the state variables across the entire cross-section of the muffler shell, as one moves along the axis of the muffler, and can be partitioned appropriately in order to relate the state variables of different tubes constituting the cross-section. The paper presents a generalized one-dimensional (1-D) approach, using the transfer matrices of simple acoustic elements, which are available from the literature. The present approach is robust and flexible owing to its capability to construct an overall matrix of the muffler with the transfer matrices of individual acoustic elements and boundary conditions, which can then be used to evaluate the transmission loss, insertion loss, etc. Results from the present approach have been validated through comparisons with the available experimental and three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) based results. The results show good agreement with both measurements and FEM analysis up to the cut-off frequency.     

Generalized analysis of a muffler with any number of interacting ducts

The muffler elements that use perforated elements for acoustic attenuation are common in practice. In typical commercial mufflers perforated elements are used involving two, three, four or more interacting ducts. Analysis of such configurations involves writing down the basic governing equations of mass continuity, momentum balance, etc., and then elimination of velocity variables to obtain the coupled ordinary differential equations in terms of acoustic pressure variables. Mathematical modelling and the consequent analytical derivation of the transmission loss for these multi-duct acoustical elements become increasingly tedious, as just not the number of ducts, but also their relative arrangement along with the boundary conditions dictate the analysis considerably. In the present paper, authors have proposed a generalization and thus an algebraic algorithm to directly produce the system matrix, eliminating the tedium of writing the basic governing equations and elimination of velocity variables. Also, a convenient approach for applying the boundary conditions is outlined here.     

Sound attenuation of a periodic array of micro-perforated tube mufflers

The wave propagation in a periodic array of micro-perforated tube mufflers is investigated theoretically, numerically and experimentally. Because of the high acoustic resistance and low mass reactance due to the sub-millimeter perforation, the micro-perforated muffler can provide considerable sound attenuation of duct noise. Multiple mufflers are often used to enhance attenuation performance. When mufflers are distributed periodically in a duct, the periodic structure produces special dispersion characteristics in the overall sound transmission loss. The Bloch wave theory and the transfer matrix method are used to study the wave propagation in periodic micro-perforated tube mufflers and the dispersion characteristics of periodic micro-perforated mufflers are examined. The results predicted by the theory are compared with finite element method simulation and experimental results. The results indicate that the periodic structure can influence the performance of micro-perforated mufflers. With different periodic distances, the combination of the periodic structure and the micro-perforated tube muffler can contribute to the control of lower frequency noise with a broader frequency range or improvement of the peak transmission loss around the resonant frequency.     

阻抗复合消声器声学性能有限元预测方法及分析

为计算和分析具有复杂结构的阻抗复合式消声器的宽频消声性能,建立了一种高效声学有限元方法,给出了不同边界条件下的边界积分处理细节,得到有限元全局系数矩阵表达式,设计出计算程序框架以实现这些算法,其求解规模和计算速度与商业软件相比有优势。为计算阻抗复合式消声器的传递损失,通过阻抗管测量和数据拟合得到了吸声材料声学特性的经验公式。计算和测量了两通穿孔阻抗复合式消声器的传递损失,二者良好的吻合验证了声学有限元方法和计算程序的正确性。研究表明,插管长度影响消声器在中高频段的消声特性,右侧隔板上穿孔会消除共振峰,中高频消声性能随着出口管穿孔率的增加而提升。      

Comparison of various algorithms for improving acoustic attenuation performance and flow characteristic of reactive mufflers

The parametric optimization of the reactive mufflers is researched by numerical analysis, regarding the performance of the acoustic and flow fields synthetically. The finite element method, based on the Helmholtz equation and the Navier–Stokes equation respectively, is utilized in the analysis of the acoustic and flow fields. And the initial and boundary conditions are set up in the physical fields respectively. The weighting multi-objective function about acoustic and flow fields is formulated. In addition, the optimization results of multidisciplinary, obtained by the Nelder Mead algorithm (NMA) based on the sensitivity analysis, the Monte Carlo algorithm (MCA) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) based on the random sampling, are analyzed comparatively. The optimization results indicate that the NMA can maximize the transmission loss (TL) and minimize the pressure drop with the given weight factor. Finally, numerical optimization examples confirm the validity and reliability of the proposed optimization method in the acoustic-flow field.     

Transverse plane wave analysis of short elliptical chamber mufflers: An analytical approach

Short elliptical chamber mufflers are used often in the modern day automotive exhaust systems. The acoustic analysis of such short chamber mufflers is facilitated by considering a transverse plane wave propagation model along the major axis up to the low frequency limit. The one dimensional differential equation governing the transverse plane wave propagation in such short chambers is solved using the segmentation approaches which are inherently numerical schemes, wherein the transfer matrix relating the upstream state variables to the downstream variables is obtained. Analytical solution of the transverse plane wave model used to analyze such short chambers has not been reported in the literature so far. This present work is thus an attempt to fill up this lacuna, whereby Frobenius solution of the differential equation governing the transverse plane wave propagation is obtained. By taking a sufficient number of terms of the infinite series, an approximate analytical solution so obtained shows good convergence up to about 1300 Hz and also covers most of the range of muffler dimensions used in practice. The transmission loss (TL) performance of the muffler configurations computed by this analytical approach agrees excellently with that computed by the Matrizant approach used earlier by the authors, thereby offering a faster and more elegant alternate method to analyze short elliptical muffler configurations.     

The use of a hybrid model to compute the nonlinear acoustic performance of silencers for the finite amplitude acoustic wave

In the present study, a hybrid method is proposed for predicting the acoustic performance of a silencer for a nonlinear wave. This method is developed by combining two models: (i) a frequency-domain model for the computation of sound attenuation due to a silencer in a linear regime and (ii) a wavenumber space model for the prediction of the nonlinear time-evolution of finite amplitudes of the acoustic wave in a uniform duct of the same length as the silencer. The present method is proposed under the observation that the physical process of the nonlinear sound attenuation phenomenon of a silencer may be decoupled into two distinct mechanisms: (a) a linear acoustic energy loss that owes to the mismatch in the acoustic impedance between reactive elements and/or the sound absorption of acoustic liners in a silencer; (b) a nonlinear acoustic energy loss that is due to the energy-cascade phenomenon that arises from the nonlinear interaction between components of different frequencies. To establish the validity of the present model for predicting the acoustic performance of silencers, two model problems are considered. First, the performance of simple expansion mufflers with nonlinear incident waves has been predicted. Second, proposed method is applied for computing nonlinear acoustic wave propagation in the NASA Langley impedance duct configuration with ceramic tubular liner (CT57). Both results obtained from the hybrid models are compared with those from computational aero-acoustic techniques in a time-space domain that utilize a high-order finite-difference method. Through these comparisons, it is shown that there are good agreements between the two predictions. The main advantage of the present method is that it can effectively compute the nonlinear acoustic performance of silencers in nonlinear regimes without time-space domain calculations that generally entail a greater computational burden.     

A generalized scheme for analysis of multifarious commercially used mufflers

Commercial automotive mufflers are often too complex to be broken into a cascade of one-dimensional elements with predetermined transfer matrices. The one-dimensional (1-D) scheme presented in this paper is based on an algorithm that uses user-friendly visual volume elements along with the theory of transfer matrix based muffler analysis. This work attempts to exploit the speed of the one-dimensional analysis with the flexibility, generality and user-friendliness of three-dimensional analysis using geometric modeling. A code based on the developed algorithm has been employed to demonstrate the generality of the proposed method in analyzing commercial mufflers by considering three very diverse classes of mufflers with different kinds of combinations of reactive, perforated and absorptive elements. Though the examples used in the paper are not very complex for they are meant to be just representative cases of certain classes of mufflers, yet the algorithm can handle a large domain of commercial mufflers of high degree of complexity. Results from the present algorithm have been validated through comparisons with both the analytical (plane wave based) and the more general, three-dimensional FEM based results. The forte of the proposed method is its power to construct the system matrix consistent with the boundary conditions from the geometrical model to evaluate the four-pole parameters of the entire muffler and thence its transmission loss, etc. Thus, the algorithm can be used in conjunction with the transfer matrix based muffler programs to analyze the entire exhaust system of an automobile.     

Optimization of reactive mufflers

A new approach to optimization of reactive mufflers, which is based on use of muffler prototype with nondimensional geometrical parameters and integral criterion of acoustic performance of mufflers, is proposed. Implementation of the approach using the example of chamber mufflers is considered.     

通过流作用下穿孔板的声阻抗

穿孔元件在进排气消声器中广泛使用,气体流动对穿孔元件声阻抗具有较大的影响。为了获得更加精确的穿孔声阻抗模型,使用三维时域CFD方法计算通过流作用下穿孔的声阻抗。探究了通过流作用下穿孔声阻抗的获取方法,并且将无量纲小孔声阻抗的预测值与已发表的实验测量值进行了对比,两者吻合较好。分析了小孔中的通过流马赫数M_o (0.05~0.20)、穿孔的分布形式、小孔的直径d_h (2~5 mm),穿孔板的厚度t (0.8~2 mm)和穿孔率φ(4.51%~24.93%)对无量纲声阻抗的影响规律,并且通过不同参数的非线性回归分析得到了通过流作用下声阻抗的模型。作为工程计算的应用,利用Jing&Sun的声阻抗模型和本文声阻抗模型计算了横流式穿孔管消声器的传递损失,与实验测量结果比较表明,本文模型具有较高的准确性。      

非对称阻抗插入管消声器的Chebyshev-变分法建模与求解

针对非对称阻抗插入管消声器三维理论建模与求解问题,提出了一种半解析变分建模和求解方法,试验及有限元结果验证了理论模型和求解结果的正确性,开展了模态频率、声压响应及传递损失等声场特性的预测分析。首先构建插入管消声器内部子声场拉格朗日泛函,基于声压与质点振速连续性条件,得到插入管消声器三维理论模型。随后,将子声场声压展开为切比雪夫-傅里叶级数组合形式,按里兹法求得消声器三维声场模态信息。搭建了消声器传递损失试验平台,进行了刚性壁面和阻抗壁面消声器传递损失测试试验,对理论模型和计算结果进行了验证。通过算例分析了壁面阻抗的大小、阻抗面积和分布形式以及插入管偏置对消声器消声性能的影响。结果表明,提出的变分建模求解方法是有效的,对消声器壁面阻抗位置和形式的合理设置可有效降低输出声压。      

Study on sound transmission characteristics of a cylindrical shell using analytical and experimental models

A circular cylindrical cavity enclosed by a thin elastic shell is found in many practical devices such as expansion volume mufflers, hermetic compressors and aircraft cabins. Analytical and experimental studies are conducted in this work to understand the characteristics of sound transmission through the cylindrical wall of such a system. Using an infinitely long circular cylindrical shell subjected to a plane incident wave, an exact solution is obtained by solving the classical shell vibration equations and the acoustic wave equations simultaneously. Transmission losses obtained from the solution are compared to the transmission losses that are measured for a cylindrical shell of finite length and the same cross-sectional dimensions. The comparison suggests that the theoretical model can be used as an effective design tool despite considerable simplifications involved.     

A critical survey of basic theories used in muffler design and analysis

The acoustic equations are derived for the general case of sound wave propagation in circular ducts. The exact and approximate methods for solution are reviewed, analyzed and compared for the purpose of ICE muffler design. Different types of mufflers are also presented; their attenuation properties are estimated according to different theoretical approaches.     

Analysis and design of pod silencers

Parallel baffle mufflers or split silencers are used extensively in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for increased attenuation of noise within a short or given length. Acoustic analysis of rectangular parallel baffle mufflers runs on the same lines as that of a rectangular duct lined on two sides. This simplification would not hold for circular configurations. Often, a cylindrical pod is inserted into a circular lined duct to increase its attenuation (or transmission loss), thereby making the flow passage annular and providing an additional absorptive layer on the inner side of this annular passage. This configuration, called a pod silencer, is analyzed here for the four-pole parameters as well as transmission loss, making use of the bulk reaction model.The effect of thin protective film or a highly perforated metallic plate is duly incorporated by means of a grazing-flow impedance. Use of appropriate boundary conditions leads to a set of linear homogeneous equations which in turn lead to a transcendental frequency equation in the unknown complex axial wave number. This is solved by means of the Newton-Raphson method, and the axial wave number is then used in the expressions for transmission loss as well as the transfer matrix parameters. Finally, results of a parametric study are reported to help the designer in optimization of a pod silencer configuration within a given overall size for minimal cost.     

Shape optimization of multi-chamber cross-flow mufflers by SA optimization

It is essential when searching for an efficient acoustical mechanism to have an optimally shaped muffler designed specially for the constrained space found in today's plants. Because the research work of optimally shaped straight silencers in conjunction with multi-chamber cross-flow perforated ducts is rarely addressed, this paper will not only analyze the sound transmission loss (STL) of three kinds of cross-flow perforated mufflers but also will analyze the optimal design shape within a limited space.In this paper, the four-pole system matrix used in evaluating acoustic performance is derived by using the decoupled numerical method. Moreover, a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm, a robust scheme in searching for the global optimum by imitating the softening process of metal, has been adopted during shape optimization. To reassure SA's correctness, the STL's maximization of three kinds of muffles with respect to one-tone and dual-tone noise is exemplified. Furthermore, the optimization of mufflers with respect to an octave-band fan noise by the simulated algorithm has been introduced and fully discussed. Before the SA operation can be carried out, an accuracy check of the mathematical model with respect to cross-flow perforated mufflers has to be performed by Munjal's analytical data and experimental data.The optimal result in eliminating broadband noise reveals that the cross-flow perforated muffler with more chambers is far superior at noise reduction than a muffler with fewer chambers. Consequently, the approach used for the optimal design of noise elimination proposed in this study is certainly easy and efficient.     

Acoustic modelling of exhaust devices with nonconforming finite element meshes and transfer matrices

Transfer matrices are commonly considered in the numerical modelling of the acoustic behaviour associated with exhaust devices in the breathing system of internal combustion engines, such as catalytic converters, particulate filters, perforated mufflers and charge air coolers. In a multidimensional finite element approach, a transfer matrix provides a relationship between the acoustic fields of the nodes located at both sides of a particular region. This approach can be useful, for example, when one-dimensional propagation takes place within the region substituted by the transfer matrix. As shown in recent investigations, the sound attenuation of catalytic converters can be properly predicted if the monolith is replaced by a plane wave four-pole matrix. The finite element discretization is retained for the inlet/outlet and tapered ducts, where multidimensional acoustic fields can exist. In this case, only plane waves are present within the capillary ducts, and three-dimensional propagation is possible in the rest of the catalyst subcomponents. Also, in the acoustic modelling of perforated mufflers using the finite element method, the central passage can be replaced by a transfer matrix relating the pressure difference between both sides of the perforated surface with the acoustic velocity through the perforations. The approaches in the literature that accommodate transfer matrices and finite element models consider conforming meshes at connecting interfaces, therefore leading to a straightforward evaluation of the coupling integrals. With a view to gaining flexibility during the mesh generation process, it is worth developing a more general procedure. This has to be valid for the connection of acoustic subdomains by transfer matrices when the discretizations are nonconforming at the connecting interfaces. In this work, an integration algorithm similar to those considered in the mortar finite element method, is implemented for nonmatching grids in combination with acoustic transfer matrices. A number of numerical test problems related to some relevant exhaust devices are then presented to assess the accuracy and convergence performance of the proposed procedure.     

Predicting insertion loss of large duct systems above the plane wave cutoff frequency

If the dimensions of a silencer or muffler component are small compared to an acoustic wavelength, plane wave propagation can be assumed. This is not the case for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) duct systems, and large diesel engine mufflers commonly used in ship and generator sets. For such applications, the wave behavior in the inlet and outlet ducts is three-dimensional. In this paper, the finite element method is utilized to simulate large duct systems with an aim to predict the insertion loss. The boundary condition on the source side is a diffuse field applied by determining a suitable cross-spectral force matrix of the excitation. At the termination, the radiation impedance is calculated utilizing a wavelet algorithm. Simulation results are compared to published measurement results for HVAC plenums and demonstrate good agreement.     

An inherently stable boundary-condition-transfer algorithm for muffler analysis

Wave coupling exists in the wave propagation in multiple interacting ducts within a waveguide. One may use the segmentation approach, decoupling approach, eigenvalue approach, or the matrizant approach to derive the overall transfer matrix for the muffler section with interacting ducts, and then apply the terminal boundary conditions to obtain a two-by-two transfer matrix. In such instances, a boundary condition applied to a vector is given as a linear combination of its components. Spatial dimensions along with parameters like impedance of the perforated interface may yield numerical instability during computation leading to inaccurate prediction of the acoustic performance of mufflers. Here, an inherently stable boundary-condition-transfer approach is discussed to analyze the plane wave propagation in suchlike mufflers and applied to waveguides of variable cross-sectional area. The concept of pseudo boundary conditions applied to the state vector at an intermediate point is outlined. The method is checked for self-consistency and shown to be stable even for extreme geometries.     

声诱导电磁场的赫兹矢量表示与多极声电测井模拟

在假设声场不受电磁场影响的前提下，将Pride声电耦合方程组化为具有电流源的麦克斯韦方程组.与空间位置固定的电流源产生的电磁场不同，孔隙地层中声波诱导的电磁场是由空间波动的电流源产生的.通过引入赫兹矢量，将求解麦克斯韦方程组问题转化为求解关于赫兹矢量的非齐次矢量赫姆霍兹方程组.通过求解该方程组，得出电磁场表达式.利用此方法，针对声电效应测井，分别计算了由单极声源、偶极声源、四极声源激发的井内声场及其诱导电磁场的全波波形. 关键词： 孔隙介质 诱导电磁场 测井 多极声源     

A note on various formulations for four-pole parameters of a pipe with mean flow

This note is concerned with an examination of various formulations for the determination of four-pole parameters of a uniform pipe containing a moving medium. The correct four-pole parameters are identified. Their limitations in applications to the acoustic simulation of exhaust mufflers and piping systems are discussed.