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Abstract

The use of perforated-tube side mufflers for depressing venting noise within a constrained space has been prevalent in modern industries. Also, research on mufflers equipped with side inlets/outlets has been thoroughly documented. However, research on shape optimization of side inlet/outlet mufflers hybridized with multiple open-ended perforated intruding tubes which may enhance acoustic performance has gone unnoticed. Therefore, we wish to not only analyze the sound transmission loss (STL) of side inlet/outlet mufflers but also to optimize their best design shape within a limited space. In this paper, the generalized decoupling technique and the plane wave theory used in solving the coupled acoustical problem are employed. Also, a four-pole system matrix for evaluating acoustic performance is deduced in conjunction with a genetic algorithm (GA). We have also introduced a numerical study that deals with broadband noise within a constrained blower room using three kinds of mufflers. Additionally, before muffler shape optimization is performed, an accuracy check on the mathematical models has been performed. Moreover, to verify the reliability of the GA optimization, optimal noise abatements for various pure tones on various mufflers have been examined. Results reveal that mufflers equipped with perforated intruding tubes are superior to those equipped with non-perforated intruding tubes. Also, mufflers with multi-perforated tubes will increase the acoustic performance. Consequently, the approach used in seeking the optimal design of the STL proposed in this study is quite effective

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