Semi-analytical estimation of Helmholtz resonators’ tuning frequency for scalable neck-cavity geometric couplings

Abstract

Innovative meta-materials offer great flexibility for manipulating sound waves and assure unprecedented functionality in the context of acoustic applications. Indeed, they can exhibit extraordinary properties, such as broadband low-frequency absorption, excellent sound insulation, or enhanced sound transmission. These amazing properties have drawn the eye of the transport industry, especially for aeronautic applications where objects like these can be combined and coupled with primary structures aiming to reduce exterior and interior noise without increasing weight. However, the design of acoustic meta-materials with exciting functionality still represents a challenge, therefore there is a huge interest about the conceptualization and design of innovative acoustic solutions making use of meta-material resonance effects. The main target of the present research work is to obtain an accurate prediction of the tuning frequency of a Helmholtz-resonating device, whose resonance properties are exploited in a wide part of acoustic meta-material design. In this context, an investigation on a correction factor for the classical formulation used to estimate the Helmholtz resonance frequency starting from its geometric characteristics, accounting for different-shaped resonators with varying neck/cavity ratios, is performed. More specifically, a set of numerical simulations for several geometric configuration is considered in order to demonstrate the limits of pre-existing formulas, and a new correction factor formula is developed after theoretical considerations where it is possible. In the end, results in terms of correction factors are provided in both graphical and semi-analytical form, compared with Finite Element data.