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Astley, R. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Astley, R. J..

Finite element formulations for acoustical radiation

Finite and infinite element techniques are applied to linear acoustical problems involving infinite anechoic boundaries. Theory is presented for a simple one dimensional model based on Webster's horn equation. Results are then presented both for the one dimensional model and for two axisymmetric test cases. Comparisons with exact solutions indicate that both the infinite element and wave envelope schemes are effective in correctly predicting the near field. The wave envelope scheme is also shown to be capable of resolving the far field radiation pattern.

Astley, R. J.↗

Wave envelope and infinite element schemes for fan noise radiation from turbofan inlets

Finite element models are presented for the calculation of radiated fan noise in the vicinity of turbofan inlets. The models involve the use of conventional axisymmetric finite elements in an inner region close to the inlet. The far field is represented by infinite elements or wave envelope elements. Theory and results are presented for the case with no mean flow. Comparisons of computed data with analytic solutions and measured values establish the utility of both the infinite element and wave envelope element schemes. The wave envelope scheme is shown to be effective also in the far field. Both schemes use meshes which are much sparser than would be required in conventional numerical discretizations and may be applied to real inlet configurations at modest computational cost.

Astley, R. J.↗

A wave envelope finite element scheme for acoustical radiation

The aeroacoustic problem associated with the radiation of fan noise from the inlet of a turbofan aircraft engine, the dimensions of which are generally many times larger than the acoustical wavelengths of the major energy-carrying frequencies, is considered. In the present approach, a conventional finite element solution in the inner region is compatibly matched to a 'wave envelope' finite element solution in a large but finite outer region. The inclusion of a wavelike variation with the correct asymptotic decay in the shape functions for the outer region preserves the correct behavior of the solution at large distances. The method is initially presented for a simple one-dimensional model based on the solution of Webster's horn equation. Results are presented for the specific case of a uniform cylindrical section joined to a conical expansion, and also for a simple axisymmetric test case of the calculation of acoustical pressure generated by a vibrating circular piston located at the center of an infinite rigid baffle.

Astley, R. J.↗

Accuracy and stability of finite element schemes for the duct transmission problem

An investigation is conducted regarding the feasibility of approaches for improving the efficiency and stability of existing finite element method (FEM) schemes, taking into account both analytical and numerical studies. Of the four schemes considered for the 'steady' problem, the Hermitian Galerkin formulation appears to be the most efficient and therefore the most suitable scheme for futher full scale implementation. The Hermitian residual least squares (RLS) scheme although comparable in accuracy for the cases considered exhibits a slight tendency to cumulative errors. The performance of both the Lagrangian element schemes considered compares poorly with that of their Hermitian element counterparts. This is particularly true of the Lagrangian RLS scheme. The presence of internal oscillatory components is an inevitable consequence of all Galerkin schemes irrespective of element type.

Astley, R. J.↗

Application of 'steady' state finite element and transient finite difference theory to sound propagation in a variable duct - A comparison with experiment

Experimental data are presented for sound propagation in a simulated infinite hard wall duct with a large change in duct cross sectional area. The data are conveniently tabulated for further use. The 'steady' state finite element theory of Astley and Eversman (1981) and the transient finite difference theory of White (1981) are in good agreement with the data for both the axial and transverse pressure profiles and the axial phase angle. Therefore, numerical finite difference and finite element theories appear to be ideally suited for handling duct propagation problems which encounter large axial gradients in acoustic parameters. The measured energy reflection coefficient agrees with the values from the Astley-Eversman modal coupling model.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

Acoustic transmission in non-uniform ducts with mean flow. I - The method of weighted residuals. II - The finite element method

The problem of acoustic transmission through nonuniform ducts containing a high-speed subsonic flow is studied by means of the method of weighted residuals in the form of a modified Galerkin method and a Galerkin formulation of the finite element method. The method of weighted residuals is shown to employ the basis functions generated from eigenvalue calculations for the case of no flow, and is verified by comparison with exact eigenvalue calculations in the uniform duct case and numerical solutions of the one-dimensional form of the equations in the nonuniform duct case. The finite element scheme based on both the Galerkin method and the residual least squares method and employing eight-noded isoparametric elements is presented and used to investigate multimodal propagation by the coupling of the solution in the duct nonuniform section to modal expansions in uniform sections. Comparison of the results of the two methods reveals them to be in substantial agreement, and predicts the importance of multimodal interactions at high Mach numbers.

Eversman, W.↗

Application of steady state finite element and transient finite difference theory to sound propagation in a variable area duct: A comparison with experiment

Sound propagation without flow in a rectangular duct with a converging-diverging area variation was studied experimentally and theoretically. The area variation was of sufficient magnitude to produce large reflections and induce modal scattering. The rms (root-mean-squared) pressure and phase angle on both the flat and curved surface were measured and tabulated. The steady state finite element theory and the transient finite difference theory are in good agreement with the data. It is concluded that numerical finite difference and finite element theories appear ideally suited for handling duct propagation problems which encounter large area variations.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

Acoustic transmission in lined flow ducts - A finite element eigenvalue problem

The problem of acoustical transmission in lined ducts with subsonic mean flow is of considerable practical interest in the context of fan noise attenuation in the ducted inlet regions of turbofan aircraft engines. If nonaxisymmetric liners are present, a loss of axial symmetry results, and the study of acoustic transmission involves the solution of a full two-dimensional eigenvalue problem. The reported investigation is concerned with such an eigenvalue problem. The employed method of solution is effectively a two-dimensional analog of an approach considered by Astley and Eversman (1979). The approach makes use of a Galerkin Finite Element Method whereby the weighting and basis functions are generated automatically by the discretization.

Astley, R. J.↗

Transmission in flow ducts with peripherally varying linings

A finite element Galerkin formulation is used for the calculation of acoustical modes in uniform ducts with arbitrary geometry, mean flow and lining configuration. Hermitian 'non-conforming' sub-parametric elements are used and the dimensionality of the resulting eigenmatrix is reduced by the use of a condensation scheme based on the compatible eigenvectors in the case with no mean flow. Results are presented for simple circular and rectangular configurations for which exact comparison results are readily calculable. Computer graphics routines required to interpret modal data are described and sample results shown.

Astley, R. J.↗

The finite element duct eigenvalue problem - An improved formulation with Hermitian elements and no-flow condensation

Hermitian elements are used in a finite element solution for the eigenvalue problem in lined ducts with flow. These elements give significantly greater accuracy for reduced dimensionality when compared with Lagrangian elements. Spurious mode generation associated with the Lagrangian formulation is eliminated. A dramatic improvement in the ratio of the number of reliable eigenvalues to the total number of computed eigenvalues is effected by the use of a condensation scheme based on the no-flow eigenvectors. Results are presented for two dimensional and axisymmetric ducts. In the axisymmetric case good resolution is obtained even for high order, high frequency modes by the use of continuously graded meshes.

Astley, R. J.↗

A finite element formulation of the eigenvalue problem in lined ducts with flow

A finite element method is used to formulate the eigenvalue problem for a lined duct with flow. Either two dimensional or axially symmetric ducts with sheared flows can be studied, although the examples cited are two dimensional. The primitive variables of velocity and pressure are used with quadratic shape functions in each element. Results indicate that a useful level of accuracy can be achieved with a modest number of elements. Spurious eigenvalues, easily identified by obviously inconsistent eigenvectors, occur in certain instances. If the number of elements is not too small, these spurious modes are among the higher order eigenvalues of otherwise questionable accuracy. The possibility of using higher order elements which have slope continuity is proposed for future investigations to eliminate the spurious results.

Astley, R. J.↗

The application of finite element techniques to acoustic transmission in lined ducts with flow

The finite element method (FEM) is used to analyze the propagation of sound in two-dimensional nonuniform ducts carrying a compressible subsonic mean flow. Galerkin and residual least squares (RLS) methods with natural and forced boundary conditions are considered. The accuracy of FEM results for the eigenvalue and transmission problems is assessed by comparison with alternative numerical schemes for nonuniform ducts. The results presented and those from associated investigations indicate that modal coupling is a significant feature of the acoustic field, especially at high Mach numbers. A multimodal model therefore appears to be essential if any reliable conclusions are to be drawn in the context of turbofan inlet regions. Improvements to the eigenvalue scheme following the implementation of higher-order Hermitian elements indicate a similar modification for the transmission problem.

Astley, R. J.↗

A finite element method for transmission in non-uniform ducts without flow Comparison with the method of weighted residuals

A finite element method is derived for studying the transmission of sound in nonuniform ducts without flow. The method is based on a weighted residuals technique and eight noded isoparametric elements. The method employs two computational schemes: the Helmholtz equation found through conservation equations, and the conservation equations themselves. Solutions are found for transmission and reflection coefficients for both two-dimensional and circular geometries. Numerical solutions are compared with those for a method of weighted residuals in the form of a modified Galerkin method, showing good agreement.

Astley, R. J.↗

A finite element analysis for acoustic transmission in nonuniform ducts

A multimodal finite-element analysis for two-dimensional and axisymmetric ducts with flow has been adopted to predict acoustic transmission in nonuniform ducts carrying a nonuniform flow (i.e., turbofan aircraft engine conditions). The analysis is based on a Galerkin method with a finite-element discretization, and multimodal matching at the duct ends. The element mesh and the number of modes required at each end are found to have a strong influence on the analysis. The numerical results compare well with results obtained from other techniques, including the method of weighted residuals.

Astley, R. J.↗

Transmission in nonuniform ducts - A comparative evaluation of finite element and weighted residuals computational schemes

The Method of Weighted Residuals (MWR) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) are considered as computational schemes in the problem of acoustic transmission in nonuniform ducts. MWR is presented in an improved form which includes the interaction of acoustic modes (irrotational) and hydrodynamic modes (rotational). FEM is based on a weighted residuals formulation using eight noded isoparametric elements. Both are applicable to two-dimensional and axially symmetric problems. Calculations are made for several sample problems to demonstrate accuracy and relative efficiency. One test case has implications in the phenomenon of subsonic acoustic choking and it is found that a large transmission loss is not an automatic consequence of propagation against a high subsonic mean flow.

Eversman, W.↗