Local Structural Optimization Method Based on Orthogonal Analysis for a Resistant Muffler

A resistant muffler is the most direct and effective means of reducing exhaust noise from earthmoving equipment. Different types of construction machinery require different mufflers. Current muffler design is mostly experience-based, and there are blind spots in the design process. The optimization scheme must constantly be revised to achieve satisfactory noise reduction. The use of a large number of optimization schemes are wasteful in terms of both cost and time. Therefore, an effective and time-saving design method for muffler optimization is needed. An optimization approach, known as the “local structural optimization method for a resistant muffler”, based on orthogonal analysis is proposed in this study to optimize the design of a resistant muffler with a complex structure. The results of an orthogonal analysis for a simulation of the muffler structure show that the muffler acoustic and aerodynamic performances are affected by the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, insertion pipe, cross-flow perforated pipe and other local structures, and the results are employed to determine the influence law for the transmission loss (TL) and the exhaust back pressure, considering the local structural parameters of the muffler. The method is applied to optimize the design of a muffler suitable for an excavator and verified by performing an installation test. The experimental results show that the improved designs reduces the exhaust noise by 5 dB and the exhaust back pressure by 0.6 kPa. The improved designs exhibit higher aerodynamic and acoustic performances than a muffler prototype, showing that the proposed method is accurate, effective and reliable. The proposed method considerably simplifies the design process and saves time and cost. This method provides theoretical guidance and an optimization process for the design of a muffler for construction machinery.