Horns as particle velocity amplifiers

J Acoust Soc Am. 2011 Nov;130(5):EL311-5. doi: 10.1121/1.3642644.

Abstract

Preliminary measurements and numerical predictions reveal that simple, and relatively small, horns generate remarkable amplification of acoustic particle velocity. For example, below 2 kHz, a 2.5 cm conical horn has a uniform velocity amplification ratio (throat-to-mouth) factor of approximately 3, or, in terms of a decibel level, 9.5 dB. It is shown that the velocity amplification factor depends on the horn's mouth-to-throat ratio as well as, though to a lesser degree, the horn's flare rate. A double horn configuration provides limited additional gain, approximately an increase of up to 25%.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics / instrumentation*
  • Amplifiers, Electronic*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Equipment Design
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Motion
  • Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted
  • Pressure
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Sound*
  • Time Factors