Venturi tubes: acoustic attenuation with flow loss considerations

The acoustic wave attenuation performance of Venturi tubes with zero mean fluid flow is investigated by: (1) combining analytical solutions for one-dimensional wave propagation in conical reducers, diffusers, and straight ducts; (2) employing a computational time-domain technique; and (3) conducting experiments in an extended impedance tube setup with four fabricated Venturi tubes and matching contraction chambers. The results from both analytical and computational approaches compare well with each other and the experimental data. The numerical technique is also applied to address the effects of a compressible mean flow on the acoustic behavior. Finally, the flow performance of the fabricated Venturi tubes is measured and the trade-offs are discussed between flow efficiency and acoustic performance.