Experimental concept study of a small engine silencer unit based on microperforated elements

Abstract

Considering the green transformation, more and more attention must be paid to reducing noise pollution, which is one of the most important environmental problems today. Internal combustion engine (ICE) powered hand tools and small appliances, such as leaf blowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, and lawn mowers, are examples of the most undesirable sources of noise in today's human environment. This paper discusses the acoustic properties of a novel and compact silencer for a small twostroke ICE and proposes a novel concept with corresponding acoustic properties. The proposed solution has been measured on a test bench, and its properties, including transmission loss (TL) and reflection and absorption properties, have been experimentally determined. Using 3D printing technology and technological advantages, an innovative silencer with up to two microperforated (MP) panels, integrated into the expansion chamber of the original silencer, has been applied for rapid prototyping. As a result, noise reduction has been increased by at least 20 dB in the frequency range 800-4000 Hz.