Vehicle Double-chamber Muffler Optimization for Weight and Performance Improvement

The present study aims to optimize a two-chamber muffler’s geometry and improve its acoustic performance. Mufflers with a circular cross-section are used in this study and then underwent the vibroacoustic analysis using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Several geometries, including a reference model and new ones, are designed and their geometry is optimized by Parametric and grid optimization methods, which are the software’s optimization methods. First, the reference paper is validated to ensure the simulation produces the least error. The results obtained in this study have a good match with those of the reference. Then, by changing dimensions such as length, diameter, and inner design of the mufflers, the best geometry in terms of transmission loss and bandwidth was selected and compared with the results acquired by the reference model. It was found that the acoustic performance of the optimized design (two-chamber muffler with four inner tubes) outperforms the model used in the reference. That is, the results indicate that the optimized design is able to attenuate sound up to ۷۸dB in the range of ۰ to ۵۰۰Hz, ۴۵dB higher than that of the conventional model. Further, the muffler’s weight is reduced by a quarter, using a ۰.۹mm thickness.

Keywords:

Single-chamber muffler , Two-chamber muffler , Improved silencer , Weight loss , Performance improvement