title: Development of an acoustic actuator for launch vehicle noise reduction.
abstract: In many active noise control applications, it is necessary that acoustic actuators be mounted in small enclosures due to volume constraints and in order to remain unobtrusive. However, the air spring of the enclosure is detrimental to the low-frequency performance of the actuator. For launch vehicle noise control applications, mass and volume constraints are very limiting, but the low-frequency performance of the actuator is critical. This work presents a novel approach that uses a nonlinear buckling suspension system and partial evacuation of the air within the enclosure to yield a compact, sealed acoustic driver that exhibits a very low natural frequency. Linear models of the device are presented and numerical simulations are given to illustrate the advantages of this design concept. An experimental prototype was built and measurements indicate that this design can significantly improve the low-frequency response of compact acoustic actuators.
authors.affiliation: Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117-5776, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: Joel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gussy
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Griffin
authors.forename: Kevin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Farinholt
mesh_terms: D000162:Acoustics; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D018986:Motor Vehicles; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*