Topology optimization of an acoustic horn

• Published in: Computer methods in applied mechanics and engineering Vol. 196; no. 1; pp. 420 - 436
• Main Authors: Wadbro, Eddie, Berggren, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.01.2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acoustic horn; Adjoint equation; Computational techniques; Euler equations; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Helmholtz equation; Mathematical methods in physics; Physics; Solid mechanics; Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...); Structural and continuum mechanics; Topology optimization; 43.38.Ja; Adjoint equation; 02.60.Pn; Topology optimization; Helmholtz equation; Acoustic horn; Euler equations; Wave equation; Euler equation; Geometrical shape; Horn; Optimization method; Acoustics; Topology; Experimental study; Modeling; Optimization; Finite element method; Acoustic radiation; Musical instrument
• ISSN: 0045-7825; 1879-2138; 1879-2138
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cma.2006.05.005

We present a method for topology optimization of an acoustic horn with the aim of radiating sound as efficiently as possible. Using a strategy commonly employed for topology optimization of elastic structures, we optimize over a scalar function indicating presence of material. The Helmholtz equation modeling the wave propagation is solved using the finite element method and the associated adjoint equation provides the required gradients. Numerical experiments validates that the result of the optimization provides horns with the desired acoustical properties. The resulting horns are very efficient in the frequency span subject to optimization.