Topology optimization for enhancing the acoustical and thermal characteristics of acoustic devices simultaneously

In this study, an optimal design method was developed using topology optimization for an acoustic device in the presence of temperature gradient. Although acoustic properties were strongly affected by temperature distribution, many topology optimization problems for optimal acoustic devices were formulated under the assumption that temperature was uniformly distributed in the design domain or that heat transfer through boundaries was negligible. An acoustically optimized topology could negatively influence the heat transfer characteristics of a mechanical device. To figure out this issue, thermo-acoustical topology optimization problems were formulated for an optimal design of the acoustic device. A general form of a finite element equation was developed for acoustical and thermal analyses, and interpolation functions were carefully selected to obtain a black-and-white topology in the final step. Optimal design examples were solved for various acoustical and thermal design requirements, and the physical characteristics of an optimal muffler obtained using the proposed approach in the present study were compared with those of a well-known existing design.