Wave propagation in a duct with a periodic Helmholtz resonators array.

Helmholtz resonator is often used to reduce noise in a narrow frequency range. To obtain a broader noise attenuation band, combing several resonators is a possible way. This paper presents a theoretical study of sound propagation in a one-dimensional duct with identical side-branch resonators mounted periodically. The analysis of each resonator was based on a distributed-parameter model that considered multi-dimensional wave propagation in its neck-cavity interface. This model provided a more accurate prediction of the resonant frequency of the resonator than traditional lumped-parameter model. Bloch wave theory and the transfer matrix method were used to investigate wave propagation in these spatially periodic resonators. The results predicted by the theory fit well with the computer simulation using a three-dimensional finite element method and the experimental results. This study indicates that the wave coupling in this periodic system results in the dispersion of the frequency band into the stop and the pass bands. The long-term significance is that periodic resonators may more effectively control noise in ducts by broadening the bandwidth they attenuate and increasing the magnitude of sound attenuation.