Moving into Topology optimization, here is a structural mechanics case, where I optimize the stiffness of a basket (for some given constraints). The holes that appear compared to the initial geometry completely grow out of the mathematics, which I find highly fascinating.
View attachment 130019
Next, an acoustic topology optimization where the complete multiphysics for the driver is included, but the optimization only takes place in the acoustics domain. With an objective to flatten the frequency response, a phase plug (in grey) has appeared in a domain in from of the driver assigned to be topology optimized. Again, this is a case I have never seen done before; including optimization in a full model of a realistic driver. It should of course be investigated how the off-axis response is affected, but imagine the time savings that are possible, compared to the traditional methods with clay modelling, and general trial and error with no guidance.
View attachment 130021
A final example is actual a heat conduction topology optimization case. As heat affects the material parameters of the structural mechanics and magnetics domains (and also the acoustics to some degree), it is desireable to lead heat away from the driver. So I thought this could be an interesting challenge. While I had never done any heat conduction cases, I spend a day reading relevant papers and setting up the simulation, and set the computer to work over the night. And I got this pretty heat sink.
View attachment 130022
-Closing remarks-
The above techniques are not all being utilized in the loudspeaker industry yet, but with the interest I am experiencing from several of them it will just be a matter of time, before we see more designs that are aided by formal optimization. Also, there are more simulations that I have not touched upon in the above, but I am working on composites with anistropic layer, metamaterials, and additional optimization cases, that will benefit the loudspeaker industry, so stay tuned.
- About me -
René Christensen, Denmark, BSEE, MSc (Physics), PhD (Microacoustics), FEM and BEM simulations specialist in/for loudspeaker, hearing aid, and consultancy companies. Own company Acculution, blog at acculution.com/blog