Plasma Actuator Sound Absorption Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sound absorption elements in the aviation industry, such as soundproof panels, are inadequate in noise dampening performance and are complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A sound absorption element comprising a load-bearing front and back layer with a honeycomb layer and a dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator, which generates ionized air flows to resonate and attenuate sound waves, is integrated into aircraft engine nacelles, allowing for improved noise reduction through a combination of acoustic permeability and plasma-induced sound wave interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional soundproof panels are used for noise dampening in aircraft engines, then noise reduction is provided, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional passive mechanical sound absorption materials with an active plasma-based acoustic treatment system. The plasma actuator generates ionized air flows that interact with sound waves through electroacoustic effects, substituting mechanical soundproofing with a field-based active control mechanism that reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining noise dampening performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the treatment medium from solid/foam materials to plasma (ionized gas). By utilizing dielectric barrier discharge to create plasma, the system transforms the acoustic interaction mechanism from material absorption to plasma-induced wave resonance and attenuation, simplifying the overall structure while improving noise reduction effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex sound absorption structures are implemented, then noise dampening performance improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-layer acoustic materials with a plasma actuator system that uses electrical discharge to generate ionized flows. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive, complex material assemblies while achieving superior noise dampening through controlled plasma-sound wave interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the honeycomb structure not as a passive acoustic material but as a support framework for the plasma actuator. The porous honeycomb allows plasma generation and ionized flow passage, simplifying the overall construction by combining structural support with acoustic treatment functionality in a single integrated component
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides enhanced noise dampening performance while being simpler and more economical to produce, effectively reducing noise levels across various frequencies generated by aircraft engines.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma actuator, e.g. of the type operating at atmospheric pressure, which is provided for inducing in cells (34) a flow of ionized air particles A interacting with the sound waves
Implementation Method 2
a plasma actuator, e.g. of the type operating at atmospheric pressure, which is provided for inducing in cells (34) a flow of ionized air particles A
Implementation Method 3
inducing in cells (34) a flow of ionized air particles A interacting with the sound waves coming from front layer (28)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The element (26; 126) comprises a front layer (28), which is, at least in a region thereof, sound-permeable; a back layer (30), which is substantially sound-reflecting; and a honeycomb layer (32), which is sandwiched between the front layer (28) and the back layer (30), and defines a mesh structure having a plurality of hollow cells (34) bordering on one another. The cells (34) are provided to resonate within their side walls the sound waves entering through the front layer (28) and being diverted by the back layer (30). The element (26;126) further comprises a plasma actuator (38, 40, 42, 44; 38, 40, 142, 44) provided to generate in the cells (34) a plasma discharge (D) inducing a flow of ionized air particles (A) interacting with the sound waves coming from the front layer (28).