Acoustic horns optimization using finite elements and genetic algorithm

In this work the optimization of shape (geometry) of acoustic horns is analyzed. The finite element method is employed for calculating the sound pressure and optimization methods of zero order (Golden Line Search Method and Genetic Algorithm, GA) are used to obtain the optimal geometry. The shape of the horn is approximated locally using polynomials with C1 continuity with the objective to get a few design variables, to obtain smooth contours at each iteration and to eliminate the regularization of the common mesh in this type of optimization. It was also studied the influence of the size of the domain (environment) in the optimized geometry of the horn. The numerical results show the efficiency of this approach and it was also found (at least from the engineering point of view) that the solution is not unique to the geometry of the horn to single-frequency.