Three-Dimensional Acoustic Analysis of a Rectangular Duct with Gradient Cross-Sections in High-Speed Trains: A Theoretical Derivation

Abstract

Rectangular ducts used in the air-conditioning system of a high-speed train should be carefully designed to achieve optimal acoustic and flow performance. However, the theoretical analysis of the rectangular ducts with gradient cross-sections (RDGC) at frequencies higher than the one-dimensional cut-off frequency is rarely published. This paper has developed the three-dimensional analytical solutions to the wave equations of the expanding and shrinking RDGCs. Firstly, a homogeneous second-order variable coefficient differential equation is derived from the wave equations. Two coefficients of the solution to the differential equation are set to zero to ensure convergence. Secondly, the transfer matrices of the duct systems composed of multiple RDGCs are derived from the three-dimensional solutions. The transmission losses of the duct systems are then calculated from the transfer matrices and validated with the measurement. Finally, the acoustic performance and flow efficiency of the RDGCs with different geometries are discussed. The results show that the REC with double baffles distributed transversely has good performance in both acoustic attenuation and flow efficiency. This study shall provide a helpful guide for designing rectangular ducts used in high-speed trains.