Shape Optimization of One-Chamber Cross-Flow Mufflers by GA Optimization

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn order to reduce the venting noise within a confined room, the development of a high performance muffler within certain space constraints is imperative. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to develop an optimally shaped one-chamber cross-flow perforated muffler that will dramatically increase the acoustical performance within a limited space.On the basis of plane wave theory, a four-pole system matrix for evaluating acoustical performance is derived by using a decoupled numerical method. Moreover, in order to search for a global optimum, a genetic algorithm (GA) with tournament selection in elitism and uniform crossover/mutation (analogous to a genes' evolutionary process) has been used for the mufflers' optimization. To assure the GAs' correctness, the STLs' maximization of one-chamber cross-flow perforated mufflers with respect to three targeted frequencies (200, 400, and 800Hz) is exemplified. Furthermore, a numerical case for dealing with an octave band noise emitted from an air compressor using one-chamber cross-flow mufflers has been introduced and fully discussed. To achieve a better optimization with the GA, various GA parameter sets were used. Before the GA operation is carried out, the mathematical models of cross-flow perforated mufflers are verified by comparing the numerical result and experimental data with those obtained by Sullivan and Wu respectively.Consequently, the results reveal that the acoustical performance for a cross-flow perforated muffler is excellent. Moreover, they reveal that the optimization approach proposed in this study is easy, economical, and quite effective.