Using empirical data to validate the role of computational fluid dynamics in various stages of aero-acoustic simulations

Abstract

The purpose of utilizing higher level of understanding techniques is to improve the overall outcome of any process. As a full-service provider of complex engineering solutions to environmental noise problems, there is a need to house specialized knowledge to design and deliver bespoke solutions that are compatible with various constraints that implicate numerous subjects (acoustics, aerodynamics, structural, materials/chemical compatibility). The physics associated with seemingly simple products, such as an industrial acoustic silencer, is often complex. More specifically, its study should be described as aero-vibro-acoustical—whereby (1) airflow causes vibrations in the structure of the silencer, (2) the vibrations generate airborne and structureborne noise, and (3) components of the silencer (i.e., baffles) attenuate noise propagating through the duct. Motivated to expand our understanding of our products’ performances, we are using Siemens software to circumvent exhaustive laboratory testing that is cost-prohibitive, and which is, generally, limited to common geometries and parameters. A systematic approach is necessary to validate correlations between simulated results with empirical data. This is accomplished by, first, correlating the aerodynamic performance of products using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict pressure drop values and the distribution of forces on the structure, to then leverage additional solvers to assess the vibro-acoustical stage of the analysis.