ANSYS Mechanical APDL Acoustic Analysis Guide 18.2

ANSYS Mechanical APDL Acoustic Analysis
Guide
ANSYS, Inc. Release 18.2

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Acoustic Analysis ........................................................................................................... 1
1.1. The General Acoustic Equations ........................................................................................................ 1
1.2. Overview of the Acoustic Analysis Process ......................................................................................... 1
2. Using the Acoustic Analysis Tools ........................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Elements Used in an Acoustic Analysis ............................................................................................... 5
2.2. Commands Used in an Acoustic Analysis ........................................................................................... 6
2.3. Understanding Acoustic Analysis Terminology .................................................................................. 8
2.4. Acoustic Analysis Resources and Examples ........................................................................................ 9
3. Modeling for an Acoustic Analysis ........................................................................................................ 11
4. Defining the Acoustic Modeling Environment ..................................................................................... 13
4.1. Defining Element Types .................................................................................................................. 13
4.2. Specifying the System of Units ........................................................................................................ 14
5. Defining Acoustic Material Properties .................................................................................................. 17
5.1. Basic Material Parameters of Acoustic Media .................................................................................... 17
5.2. Non-Uniform Ideal Gas Material ...................................................................................................... 18
5.3. Equivalent Fluid Model of Perforated Material ................................................................................. 18
5.4. Viscous-Thermal Materials ............................................................................................................... 20
5.4.1. Acoustic Propagation in the Viscous Fluid ............................................................................... 20
5.4.2. Boundary Layer Impedance (BLI) Model .................................................................................. 20
5.4.3. Low Reduced Frequency (LRF) Model ..................................................................................... 21
6. Specifying Acoustic Analysis Region Attributes and Meshing ............................................................. 23
7. Applying Boundary Conditions in an Acoustic Analysis ....................................................................... 25
7.1. Applying Boundary Conditions ....................................................................................................... 25
7.1.1. Pressure Boundary ................................................................................................................. 25
7.1.2. Rigid Wall Boundary ............................................................................................................... 26
7.1.3. Surface Impedance Boundary ................................................................................................. 26
7.1.4. Free Surface (Sloshing Effect) .................................................................................................. 27
7.2. Absorbing Boundary Condition (ABC) .............................................................................................. 27
7.3. Artificially Matched Layers .............................................................................................................. 29
7.3.1. Perfectly Matched Layers (PML) .............................................................................................. 29
7.3.2. Irregular Perfectly Matched Layers (IPML) ................................................................................ 33
7.4. Floquet Periodic Boundary Condition (FPBC) ................................................................................... 35
7.4.1. Floquet Boundary Condition for Harmonic Analysis ................................................................ 36
7.4.2. Floquet Boundary Condition for Modal Analysis ...................................................................... 37
7.4.2.1. Frequency as Eigenvalue Solution .................................................................................. 37
7.4.2.2. Phase Shift as Eigenvalue Solutions ................................................................................ 38
8. Applying Excitation Sources and Loads in an Acoustic Analysis .......................................................... 39
8.1. Applying Acoustic Excitation Sources .............................................................................................. 39
8.1.1. Pressure Excitation ................................................................................................................. 40
8.1.2. Outward Normal Velocity (Acceleration) Excitation .................................................................. 40
8.1.3. Arbitrary Velocity (Acceleration) Excitation .............................................................................. 41
8.1.4. Analytic Incident Wave Sources .............................................................................................. 42
8.1.5. Mass Source (Mass Source Rate) .............................................................................................. 43
8.1.6. Random Excitation with Diffuse Sound Field ........................................................................... 44
8.1.7. Specified Mode Excitation in an Acoustic Duct ........................................................................ 46
8.2. Applying Acoustic Loads ................................................................................................................. 47
8.2.1. Trim Element with Transfer Admittance Matrix ........................................................................ 47
8.2.2. Impedance Sheet ................................................................................................................... 50
8.2.3. Equivalent Surface Source ...................................................................................................... 51
8.2.3.1. Flagging an Equivalent Source Surface ........................................................................... 51
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Acoustic Analysis Guide
8.2.4. Surface Port ........................................................................................................................... 52

8.2.5. Mean Flow Effect .................................................................................................................... 52
9. Accounting for Acoustic Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) .................................................................... 53
9.1. Matrix-Coupled FSI Solutions .......................................................................................................... 53
9.2. One-Way Coupling FSI Solutions ..................................................................................................... 54
10. Solving an Acoustic Analysis ............................................................................................................... 55
10.1. Acoustic Analysis Solution Settings ............................................................................................... 55
10.1.1. Modal Analysis Settings ........................................................................................................ 55
10.1.2. Harmonic Analysis Settings .................................................................................................. 56
10.1.2.1. Full Harmonic Analysis ................................................................................................. 56
10.1.2.1.1. Setting the Analysis Frequencies ......................................................................... 56
10.1.2.1.2. Specifying the Analysis Solver ............................................................................. 57
10.1.2.1.3. Selecting the Scattered Formulation for Harmonic Analysis .................................. 58
10.1.2.1.4. Defining Revolutions per Minute (RPM) During a Multi-Load Solution .................. 58
10.1.2.2. Mode-Superposition Harmonic Analysis ....................................................................... 58
10.1.3. Transient Analysis Settings .................................................................................................... 59
10.1.4. Spectrum Analysis ................................................................................................................ 60
10.2. Starting and Finishing the Solution ................................................................................................ 60
11. Using Advanced Solution Techniques in an Acoustic Analysis ........................................................... 61
11.1. One-Way Coupling from Single Physics to Acoustics ...................................................................... 61
11.1.1. One-Way Coupling from Structure to Acoustics ..................................................................... 61
11.1.2. One-Way Coupling from ANSYS Fluent to Mechanical APDL Acoustics for Cabin Noise ........... 63
11.2. Linear Perturbation in an Acoustic Application .............................................................................. 65
11.3. Solving the Convective Wave Equation for the Mean Flow Effect .................................................... 66
12. Postprocessing Acoustic Analysis Results .......................................................................................... 69
12.1. Helpful Postprocessing Commands ............................................................................................... 69
12.2. Postprocessing a Harmonic Acoustic Analysis ................................................................................ 70
12.2.1. Reviewing Analysis Results ................................................................................................... 70
12.2.2. Calculating Near Fields, Far Fields, and Far-Field Parameters ................................................... 71
12.2.2.1. Accounting for Model Symmetry .................................................................................. 72
12.2.2.2. Radiation Solid Angle .................................................................................................. 72
12.2.2.3. Near Sound Pressure Field ............................................................................................ 72
12.2.2.4. Far Sound Pressure Field and Far-Field Parameters ........................................................ 72
12.2.2.5. Far-Field Microphone ................................................................................................... 73
12.2.2.6. Radiated Far-Field of a Vibrating Panel .......................................................................... 73
12.2.3. Calculating Acoustic Propagation Parameters ....................................................................... 74
12.2.4. Calculating Acoustic Surface Quantities ................................................................................ 74
12.2.5. Calculating Acoustic Volumetric Quantities ........................................................................... 75
12.3. Postprocessing a Modal Acoustic Analysis ..................................................................................... 76
12.4. Postprocessing a Transient Acoustic Analysis ................................................................................. 77
13. Acoustic Analysis Examples ................................................................................................................ 79
13.1. Example: Acoustic-Structural Coupled Modal Resonance of an Annular Ring Submerged in Water
with a Harmonic Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 79
13.2. Example: Sloshing Modes of a Cylindrical Cavity ............................................................................. 81
13.3. Example: Resonant Frequencies in a Pipe with Ideal Gas ................................................................. 83
13.4. Example: Acoustic Harmonic Response in a Room .......................................................................... 84
13.5. Example: Transmission Loss of a Muffler ......................................................................................... 86
13.6. Example: Johnson-Champoux-Allard Model of a Perforated Material .............................................. 87
13.7. Example: Transfer Admittance Matrix in Fluid ................................................................................. 88
13.8. Example: Boundary Layer Impedance Model of a Rigid Walled Waveguide with Viscous-Thermal
Fluid ..................................................................................................................................................... 90
13.9. Example: Radiation from Two Waveguides ..................................................................................... 91
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Acoustic Analysis Guide
13.10. Example: Radiation from a Dipole ................................................................................................ 93

13.11. Example: Monopole Incident Wave Scattering of a Rigid Sphere ................................................... 95
13.12. Example: Planar Incident Wave FSI Scattering of an Infinite Cylindrical Shell .................................. 96
13.13. Example: One-Way Coupling from Structure to Acoustics ............................................................. 99
13.14. Example: Modal Analysis of an Acoustic-Structural Coupled Structure with Nonlinear Static Prestress
Using Linear Perturbation ................................................................................................................... 101
13.15. Example: Spectrum Analysis of a Cylindrical Tank Filled with Water ............................................. 102
13.16. Example: Structural Panel Subject to Excitation From a Diffuse Sound Field ................................. 104
13.17. Example: Transmission Loss of a Structural Panel under an Obliquely Incident Plane Wave .......... 107
13.18. Example: Sound Far Field from a Piston Using Rayleigh Integral .................................................. 109
13.19. Example: Acoustic Propagation in a Lined Guide with an Impedance Boundary and Mean Flow ... 110
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List of Figures
4.1. Acoustic-Structural Interaction Model ................................................................................................... 14
6.1. Sound Pressure Distribution and FEM Model ......................................................................................... 23
7.1. Spherical ABC for Symmetry and Near the Radiation Outlet ................................................................... 28
7.2. 1-D Multiple PMLs for Pipes ................................................................................................................... 29
7.3. PML Enclosure ...................................................................................................................................... 30
7.4. Attenuation Distribution ....................................................................................................................... 31
7.5. Buffer Elements .................................................................................................................................... 31
7.6. Distance Between Source/Objects and PML Region ............................................................................... 32
7.7. PML Near the Radiation Outlet .............................................................................................................. 33
7.8. IPML Elements ...................................................................................................................................... 34
7.9. IPML Enclosure ..................................................................................................................................... 34
7.10. Unit Cell of a Periodic Structure ........................................................................................................... 36
8.1. Spherical Coordinates ........................................................................................................................... 42
8.2. Physical Sampling of Diffuse Sound Field ............................................................................................... 45
8.3. Trim Element with Transfer Admittance Matrix ....................................................................................... 48
8.4. Specific Perforated Plate ....................................................................................................................... 49
13.1. Transmission of a Panel under an Obliquely Incident Plane Wave ........................................................ 109
13.2. The Lined Guide with Impedance Boundary and Mean Flow .............................................................. 110
13.3. Acoustic Pressure in Lined Guide without Mean Flow ........................................................................ 113
13.4. Acoustic Pressure in Lined Guide with Mean Flow ............................................................................. 113
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List of Tables
1.1. Acoustic Analysis Steps ........................................................................................................................... 2
2.1. Acoustic Element Properties ................................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Primary Acoustic Analysis Commands ..................................................................................................... 6
2.3. Secondary Acoustic Analysis Commands ................................................................................................. 7
4.1. Key Options for FLUID30, FLUID220, and FLUID221 ................................................................................. 13
4.2. Key Options for FLUID130 ..................................................................................................................... 13
4.3. SI Units ................................................................................................................................................. 14
5.1. Equivalent Fluid Models of Perforated Material ...................................................................................... 19
5.2. Low Reduced Frequency Models ........................................................................................................... 21
7.1. Acoustic Boundary Conditions .............................................................................................................. 25
7.2. Surface Impedance Boundary Conditions .............................................................................................. 26
8.1. Acoustic Excitation Sources ................................................................................................................... 39
8.2. Acoustic Analytic Incident Wave Sources ............................................................................................... 42
8.3. Acoustic Loads ...................................................................................................................................... 47
8.4. Transfer Admittance Matrix Models of Perforated Structures: TB,PERF,,,,TBOPT ....................................... 48
10.1. Acoustic Eigen Equations and Solvers .................................................................................................. 55
11.1. Acoustic Linear Perturbation Analysis Process ...................................................................................... 65
12.1. Postprocessing Commands ................................................................................................................. 69
12.2. Plotting Commands ............................................................................................................................ 69
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Acoustic Analysis
The following topics introducing you to acoustic analysis are available:
1.1.The General Acoustic Equations
1.2. Overview of the Acoustic Analysis Process
1.1. The General Acoustic Equations

Acoustic analysis simulates the generation and propagation properties of either the coupled acoustic-
structural interaction (FSI) or the uncoupled pure acoustic wave in the given environment. Support is
available for modal, time-harmonic, and transient acoustic analysis.
The program assumes that the fluid is at rest. Only relatively small pressure changes are allowed with
respect to the mean pressure. An acoustic analysis usually involves modeling the acoustic phenomena
in an acoustic fluid and in a structure. A coupled acoustic-structural interaction analysis takes the
structural dynamics equation into account, along with the linearized Navier-Stokes equations of fluid
momentum and the flow continuity equation. A pure acoustic analysis models the acoustics fluid.
In an acoustic analysis, one of the two following matrix equations is solved. For pure acoustic phenomena,
the program solves for this finite element dynamic matrix equation:
where [MF], [CF], and [KF] are the mass, damping, and stiffness matrices, respectively, and {fF} is the ex-
ternal excitation vector in the acoustic fluid.
In acoustic-structural interaction application, the program solves for the fully coupled finite element
dynamic matrix equation:
where [MS], [CS], and [KS] are the mass, damping, and stiffness matrices, respectively, and {fS} is the ex-
ternal force vector in the structure. [R] is the coupled matrix and represents the coupling conditions on
the interface between the acoustic fluid and the structure.
For more information about the matrices, see the Derivation of Acoustic Matrices and Acoustic Fluid-
Structural Interaction (FSI) sections in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
1.2. Overview of the Acoustic Analysis Process

In general, the program simulates interior problems or exterior problems as well as FSI problems.
For interior problems, a sound wave propagates or oscillates in a closed structure. The oscillating fre-
quencies and transmission loss (TL) are usually investigated.
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Introduction to Acoustic Analysis
For exterior problems, a sound wave radiates into open space or it is scattered by a structural object
in the open domain. The radiation sound power level (Lw), directive gain, or target strength (TS) is
usually investigated. The program’s applications include, but are not limited to, sonar, noise investigation,
acoustic design of architecture, underwater acoustics, and the design of acoustic devices.
An acoustic analysis involves most of the general steps found in any analysis. Following is the general
process for performing an acoustic analysis:
Table 1.1: Acoustic Analysis Steps
Step Tasks Comments

1. Build the model. An acoustic model generally consists of fluid domain,
structural parts, FSI interfaces, sound excitations, and
the truncation of the infinite domain.
ANSYS Workbench may help in building the model

easily.
2. Set up the model Acoustic analysis is supported by the FLUID29,
environment. FLUID30, FLUID220, and FLUID221 elements.
The FLUID129 and FLUID130 elements can act as

absorbing elements to truncate the infinite fluid
domain.
The FLUID29 element may not support some 3-D

element features. See the documentation for that
element in the Element Reference.
3. Define material Defining the material properties for an acoustic analysis
properties. is no different from any other analysis. Use the MP or
TB commands to define linear or nonlinear material
properties.
The equivalent fluid model is defined by the TB

command. For more information, see Defining Material
Properties in the Basic Analysis Guide and Sophisticated
Acoustic Media in the Mechanical APDL Theory
Reference.
4. Mesh the model. Use meshing commands to mesh the different parts
of the model. Certain areas may require more detailed
meshing or special considerations.
To ensure a reliable solution, either 10 elements per

wavelength for low-order elements or 5 elements per
wavelength for high-order elements are required at
the highest working frequency.
For more information, see the Modeling and Meshing

Guide.
5. Define the boundary Define the boundary conditions using the D, SF, or
conditions. BF command. The absorbing element FLUID130 or
Artificially Matched Layers can achieve better accuracy
for an open domain problem. For more information
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Overview of the Acoustic Analysis Process
refer to Acoustic Boundary Conditions, Absorbing

Boundary Condition (ABC), or Artificially Matched
Layers in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
6. Define the loads and Define the loads and excitations (D, SF, or BF).
excitations.
If the analytic wave sources are required, issue the
AWAVE command. The DFSWAVE command specifies
the diffuse sound field for random acoustics. An
analytic acoustic mode is launched into the acoustic
duct by the APORT command.
The mean flow effect is taken into account via a

defined mean flow velocity (BF command).
The trim element with transfer admittance matrix is

defined by the TB command for perforated structures.
For more information, see Acoustic Excitation Sources

and Sophisticated Acoustic Media in the Mechanical
APDL Theory Reference.
7. Account for the FSI Use the SF command to account for the acoustic
effect. fluid-structural interaction (FSI) effect. The solution for
FSI with the strong coupled matrix is performed.
For more information, see Acoustic Fluid-Structural

Interaction (FSI) in theMechanical APDL Theory
Reference.
8. Solve the model. The solution phase of an acoustic analysis adheres to
standard ANSYS conventions, although the FSI coupled
matrices may not be symmetric. Modal, harmonic, and
transient analyses may be performed.
You may choose the symmetric algorithm for coupled

matrices in a modal or harmonic analysis.
The pure scattered pressure formulation is also

available for the analytic incident wave, for more
information see Pure Scattered Pressure Formulation
in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
You can use structural results as the acoustic excitation

source via the one-way coupling procedure (ASIFILE).
You can impose ANSYS Fluent CFD results (stored in

a .CGNS file) on the structural surface via the one-way
coupling procedure (FLUREAD).
You can take the nonlinear static analysis into account

and use a morphed mesh for the acoustic-structural
coupled solution via a linear perturbation scheme.
9. Postprocess the acoustic Use the POST1 general postprocessor and the POST26
analysis. time history postprocessor to review results.
Introduction to Acoustic Analysis
Specific commands are available in POST1 for near-

and far-field parameters (PRNEAR, PLNEAR, PRFAR,
PLFAR, *GET), for sound power data (PRAS, PLAS),
and for various acoustic quantities (PRAS, PLAS).
Chapter 2: Using the Acoustic Analysis Tools
The following tools and resources are available to facilitate an acoustic analysis:
2.1. Elements Used in an Acoustic Analysis
2.2. Commands Used in an Acoustic Analysis
2.3. Understanding Acoustic Analysis Terminology
2.4. Acoustic Analysis Resources and Examples
2.1. Elements Used in an Acoustic Analysis

These elements are available for acoustic analysis: FLUID29, FLUID129, FLUID30, FLUID130, FLUID220,
and FLUID221. Element properties are as follows:
Table 2.1: Acoustic Element Properties
Element Attribute Degrees of Freedom per Node

FLUID29 2-D 4-node quadrilateral UX, UY, PRES (coupled element)
with triangle degeneracy
PRES (uncoupled element)
FLUID129 2-D 2-node line PRES
FLUID30 3-D 8-node hexagonal with UX, UY, UZ, PRES (coupled element)
prism with tetrahedral and
pyramid degeneracy PRES (uncoupled element)
FLUID130 3-D 4- or 8-node PRES
quadrilateral surface with
triangle degeneracy
FLUID220 3-D 20-node hexagonal with UX, UY, UZ, PRES (coupled element)
pyramid and prism
degeneracy PRES (uncoupled element)
FLUID221 3-D 10-node tetrahedral UX, UY, UZ, PRES (coupled element)
PRES (uncoupled element)
One element shape (hexahedral, wedge, or tetrahedral), or any combination of shapes, can be used in
a 3-D acoustic model. The pyramid elements are transitional elements between the hexahedral and
tetrahedral elements.
Example 2.1: Creating Mixed Hexahedral and Wedge Elements

/prep7
et,1,220 ! define hexahedral element
et,11,200,5 ! define 2-D 6-node triangle mesh element
et,12,200,7 ! define 2-D 8-node quadrilateral mesh element
rect,0,1,0,1 ! create area 1
rect,1,2,0,1 ! create area 2
aglue,all ! glue areas together
esize,0.25 ! define the element size
asel,s,loc,x,0,1 ! select area 1
type,11 ! select triangle element type
Using the Acoustic Analysis Tools
mshape,1 ! define the triangle element shape

amesh,all ! mesh area 1 with triangle mesh element
asel,s,loc,x,1,2 ! select area 2
type,12 ! select quadrilateral mesh element type
mshape,0 ! define the element quadrilateral shape
amesh,all ! mesh area 2 with quadrilateral mesh element
alls
esize,,4 ! define element operation
type,1 ! select hexahedral element
asel,s,loc,z,0 ! select 2-D element
vext,all,,,0,0,1 ! create 3-D elements by extruding 2-D elements
fini
Example 2.2: Creating Mixed Hexahedral, Pyramid, and Tetrahedral Elements

/prep7
ch=10.16e-3
cw=22.86e-3
cl=2.e-2
h=2.e-3
et,1,220,1 ! define hexahedral element
et,2,221,1 ! define tet element
block,-cw/2,0,-ch/2,ch/2,0,cl/2 ! create volume 1
block,-cw/2,0,-ch/2,ch/2,cl/2,cl ! create volume 2
vglue,all ! glue volumes together
esize,h ! define element size
type,1 ! select hexahedral element type
mshape,0,3d ! define hexahedral mesh
mshkey,1 ! use mapped mesh
vmesh,1 ! mesh first volume
mshape,1,3d ! define tetrahedral element
mshkey,0 ! use free meshing
vmesh,3 ! mesh second mesh
tchg,220,221,2 ! convert degenerated brick into tet
fini
Although a geometrically complex structure can be meshed with tetrahedral elements, it may require
many elements and lead to a more computationally expensive simulation. Even a regularly shaped
volume may require many tetrahedral elements if it has a very large aspect ratio. In such a case, hexa-
hedral or wedge elements are a better choice.
2.2. Commands Used in an Acoustic Analysis

The following commands are commonly used in an acoustic analysis:
Table 2.2: Primary Acoustic Analysis Commands
Command Comments
APORT Specifies parameters for the plane wave and acoustic duct
port.
ASIFILE Defines writing or reading the one-way acoustic-structural
coupling data to or from a file.
ASOL Specify an acoustic harmonic analysis with the scattered
pressure formulation.
ASCRES Output control for an acoustic scattering analysis.
AWAVE Defines the analytic acoustic incident wave source.
DFSWAVE Specifies the incident planar waves with random phases
for a diffuse sound field.
ECPCHG Optimizes degree-of-freedom usage in a coupled acoustic
model.
Commands Used in an Acoustic Analysis
FLUREAD Reads one-way Fluent-to-Mechanical APDL coupling data

via a .cgns file with one-side fast Fourier transformation
complex pressure peak value.
HFANG Defines spatial angles of a spherical radiation surface for
an acoustic radiator.
HFSYM Indicates the presence of symmetry planes for the
computation of an acoustic field in the near- or far-field
domains (beyond the finite element region).
MRPM Defines the frequency of machine rotation in revolutions
per minute.
MSOLVE Starts multiple solutions for random acoustics analysis with
diffuse sound field.
PLAS Plots a specified acoustic quantity on the selected exterior
surface, energy on the selected elements, or the
frequency-band sound pressure level (SPL) on the nodes
over a frequency range.
PLFAR Plots acoustic far-field parameters.
PLNEAR Plots the acoustic parameters in the near zone exterior to
the equivalent source surface.
PMLOPT Defines perfectly matched layers (PML) or irregular perfectly
matched layers (IPML).
PMLSIZE Determines the number of PML or IPML layers.
PRAS Prints a specified acoustic quantity on the selected exterior
surface, energy on the selected elements, or the
frequency-band sound pressure level (SPL) on the nodes
over a frequency range.
PRFAR Prints acoustic far-field parameters.
PRNEAR Prints the acoustic parameters in the near zone exterior to
the equivalent source surface.
PSYS Sets the PML element coordinate system attribute pointer.
Table 2.3: Secondary Acoustic Analysis Commands
Command Comments
ANTYPE Sets a flag indicating whether a subsequent linear
perturbation will be performed.
BF Defines the acoustic body loads.
CP Couples nodes for the Floquet periodic boundary condition.
CPCYC Couples nodes for the Floquet periodic boundary condition
(cyclic symmetry).
*GET Obtains acoustic parameters in post-processing.
HARFRQ Defines the frequency range in the harmonic analysis,
including the octave bands.
LDREAD Reads mean flow results from the results file and applies
them as loads.
Using the Acoustic Analysis Tools
MORPH Specify the morphing operation in an acoustic linear

perturbation.
NSOL Prints the solution results for nodes.
PLESOL Plots the acoustic solution results for elements.
PRESOL Prints the acoustic solution results for elements.
PLNSOL Plots the acoustic solution results for nodes.
PRNSOL Prints the acoustic solution results for nodes.
SF Defines the acoustic surface loads and flags.
TB Defines the acoustic frequency-dependent materials, the
equivalent model of perforated materials, and the
viscous-thermal model.
/UNITS Annotates the database with the system of units used for
acoustic default values.
2.3. Understanding Acoustic Analysis Terminology

The following common terms are used throughout this guide:
Interior problem The sound wave oscillates in an enclosure or propagates

to the infinity in a constrained structure.
Exterior problem The sound wave radiates or is scattered into the infinite
open space.
FSI Acoustic fluid-structural interaction.
Coupled element Acoustic element with FSI interface.
Uncoupled element Acoustic element without FSI interface.
PML Perfectly matched layers.
IPML Irregular perfectly matched layers.
Sound-hard surface A surface on which particle normal velocity is zero. The

sound-hard surface is also referred to as the rigid wall,
which is the default boundary condition.
Sound-soft surface A surface on which sound pressure is constrained.
Transparent port An exterior surface on which incident pressure is launched

into the acoustic model and the reflected pressure wave
is fully absorbed by a defined matched impedance that
represents the infinity.
Vibro port An exterior surface on which incident pressure is launched

into the acoustic model by the vibration of the structural
surface.
Acoustic Analysis Resources and Examples
2.4. Acoustic Analysis Resources and Examples

The following additional ANSYS, Inc. documentation is available for further information about acoustics
and related rotational phenomena:
• Acoustics in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference
• Elements for Acoustic Analysis in the Element Reference
• These examples in the Technology Demonstration Guide:
Acoustic Analysis of a Small Speaker System

Acoustic Analysis of a Viscothermal Resonator
Analysis of a Piezoelectric Flextensional Transducer in Water
Also see Acoustic Analysis Examples (p. 79) in this guide.
Finally, the Mechanical APDL Verification Manual contains the following acoustics cases:
• VM157 - 3-D Acoustic Modal Analysis with Temperature Change
• VM177 - Natural Frequency of a Submerged Ring
• VM242 - Johnson-Chamoux-Allard Equivalent Fluid Model
• VM282 - Mode-Superposition Response Analysis of a Piston-Fluid System
• VM283 - Low Reduced Frequency Model for Visco-thermal Fluid with Thin Structure
• VMR083-CA1 - Sound Radiation of a Vibrating Sphere
• VMR083-CA2 - Sound Radiation of a Cylinder with Vibrating Lateral Surface
• VMP09-T2 - Pin-Ended Double Cross: In-Plane Vibration
Chapter 3: Modeling for an Acoustic Analysis
Use either the preprocessor (/PREP7) or ANSYS Workbench to create the model geometry. The model-
building process is common to most analyses. For more information, see the Modeling and Meshing
Guide.
To begin, specify a jobname and title for your analysis.
Chapter 4: Defining the Acoustic Modeling Environment
The following topics describe the features and applications of the 3-D elements used in an acoustic
analysis:
4.1. Defining Element Types
4.2. Specifying the System of Units
4.1. Defining Element Types

To specify element type numbers and key options for acoustic elements, issue the ET command.
The key options (KEYOPTs) shown in the following two tables define the acoustic element properties:
Table 4.1: Key Options for FLUID30, FLUID220, and FLUID221
KEYOPT Options Element Definitions

0 No specification
KEYOPT(1)
2 Symmetric harmonic formulation
0 Coupled element
KEYOPT(2)
1 Uncoupled element
0 Normal element
KEYOPT(4) 1 Perfectly matched layers (PML) element
2 Irregular perfectly matched layers (IPML) element
0 Normal element
KEYOPT(5)
1 Non-morphed element during the static structural solution
0 Compressible fluid
KEYOPT(6)
1 Incompressible fluid
Table 4.2: Key Options for FLUID130
KEYOPT Options Element Definitions

0 4-node surface element
KEYOPT(1)
2 8-node surface element
The following figure shows an example of coupled acoustic-structural interaction:
Defining the Acoustic Modeling Environment
Figure 4.1: Acoustic-Structural Interaction Model
Example 4.1: Defining Element Types
The following example input defines second-order coupled, uncoupled, and PML elements:
et,1,220,,0,,0 ! coupled brick element with DOF: UX,UY,UX,PRES
et,1,220,,1,,0 ! uncoupled brick element with DOF: PRES
et,1,220,,1,,1 ! uncoupled PML brick element with DOF: PRES
4.2. Specifying the System of Units

Acoustic analysis uses various unit systems (/UNITS), but uses the SI system as the default.
For more information about available units systems, see System of Units in the Coupled-Field Analysis
Guide.
The following table lists the physical quantities used for an acoustic analysis in the SI units system:
Table 4.3: SI Units
Unit Name Unit Symbol Quantity Expressed in terms of other SI

units
meter m length
kilogram kg mass
second s time
kelvin K thermodynamic temperature
hertz Hz frequency
newton N force, weight kg⋅m/s2
pascal Pa pressure N/m2
joule J energy, heat N⋅m
watt W power J/s
ρ mass density kg/m3
Specifying the System of Units
c sound speed m/s

η dynamic viscosity Pa⋅s
κ thermal conductivity W/m⋅K
cp heat coefficient at a constant J/K
pressure per mass
cv heat coefficient at a constant J/K
volume per mass
Z impedance N⋅s/m3
Support for defining a custom system of units is available via the /UNITS command. Typically, the length
and mass conversion factor, as well as the offset of the temperature, are defined. The program converts
the remaining quantities, including the static pressure, reference pressure, and reference power. The
matrices may have matrix conditions with other systems of units than either the SI or MKS system for
acoustic fluid-structural interaction (FSI) models.
Example 4.2: Defining the System of Units

/batch ! batch mode
/units,cgs ! cgs units
Chapter 5: Defining Acoustic Material Properties
The following topics describing how to define acoustic material properties are available:
5.1. Basic Material Parameters of Acoustic Media
5.2. Non-Uniform Ideal Gas Material
5.3. Equivalent Fluid Model of Perforated Material
5.4. Viscous-Thermal Materials
5.1. Basic Material Parameters of Acoustic Media

Several primary commands are available to define basic acoustic material properties:
MP
TB,AFDM,,,,MAT
TBFIELD
TBDATA,1,DENS,SONC,VISC,KXX,CPH,CVH
TBDATA,7,BVIS
Acoustic analyses require the mass density (MP,DENS) and sound speed (MP,SONC) of the acoustic
fluid.
For viscous-thermal material, the dynamic viscosity (MP,VISC), bulk viscosity (MP,BVIS), thermal conduct-
ivity (MP,KXX), heat coefficient at constant volume (MP,CVH), and heat coefficient at constant pressure
(MP,C) are defined.
Example 5.1: Defining Acoustic Material Properties (MP)
The following example input defines the acoustic material properties of air via the MP command:
mp,dens,1,1.21 ! mass density
mp,sonc,1,343 ! sound speed
mp,visc,1,1.827e-5 ! dynamic viscosity
mp,bvis,1,1.096e-5 ! bulk viscosity
mp,kxx,1,0.0257 ! thermal conductivity
mp,cvh,1,0.718 ! heat coefficient at a constant volume per mass
mp,c,1,1.005 ! heat coefficient at a constant pressure per mass
Frequency-dependent material properties are defined via the TB,AFDM,,,,MAT command. Material values
defined by TB,AFDM override the values defined by MP.
Frequency-dependent material properties are interpolated if the working frequency is not one of the
frequencies defined via the TBFIELD command.
Example 5.2: Defining Frequency-Dependent Acoustic Material Properties (TB)
The following example input defines frequency-dependent acoustic material properties via the TB
command:
tb,afdm,1,,,mat ! basic acoustic materials
tbfield,freq,f1 ! table at frequency f1
tbdata,1,dens1,sonc1,visc1,therm1,cph1,cvh1 ! material parameters table
Defining Acoustic Material Properties
tbdata,7,bvis1
tbfield,freq,f2 ! table frequency f2
tbdata,1,dens2,sonc2,visc2,therm2,cph2,cvh2 ! material parameters table
tbdata,7,bvis2
Listing the Defined Material Properties

The MPLIST command lists the material properties defined via the MP command.
The TBLIST command lists the frequency-dependent material properties defined via the TB command.
5.2. Non-Uniform Ideal Gas Material

In non-uniform acoustic media, both mass density and sound speed vary with the spatial position and
are derived by the ideal gas law.
To set up a non-uniform ideal gas model:
1. Define the temperature T0 via the TREF command (defaults to 22 °C).
2. Define the density ρ0 and sound speed C0 at the reference temperature T0 via the MP,DENS and MP,SONC
commands.
3. Define the reference static pressure Psref via the R,,Psref command.
4. Define the spatial static pressure Ps via the BF,,SPRE command.
5. Define the spatial temperature via the BF,,TEMP command.
The ideal gas model does not support the MPTEMP and MPDATA commands for mass density and
sound speed. Mass density and sound speed are defined at a reference temperature, and the ideal gas
model calculates the temperature-dependent nodal mass density and sound speed.
Example 5.3: Defining a Non-Uniform Ideal Gas Model

r,1,pref,psref ! static reference pressure
tref,22 ! reference temperature
nsel,s,loc,x ! nodes at x=0
bf,all,spre,101325 ! static pressure on nodes
bf,all,temp,100 ! temperature on nodes
For more information, see Non-uniform Acoustic Media in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
5.3. Equivalent Fluid Model of Perforated Material

Several equivalent fluid models are available to approximate the perforated material with the rigid
skeleton.
The equivalent model uses the wave equation with complex effective density and velocity.
Equivalent Fluid Model of Perforated Material
Define an equivalent fluid model via the TB,PERF,,,,TBOPT command. The following table shows the
valid TBOPT values and input parameters necessary for defining equivalent fluid models:
Table 5.1: Equivalent Fluid Models of Perforated Material
TBOPT Model Input Parameters

JCA Johnson-Champoux-Allard Fluid Resistivity σ, Porosity φ, Tortuosity
α∞, Viscous Characteristic Length Λ,
Thermal Characteristic Length Λ’
DLB Delany-Bazley Fluid Resistivity σ (0.01 < f/σ <1.00)
MIKI Miki Fluid Resistivity σ (f/σ < 1.00)
ZPRO Complex Impedance and Propagating Resistance Rs, Reactance Xs, Attenuation
Constant Constant α, Phase Constant β
CDV Complex Density and Velocity Complex Effective Density and Velocity
Additional parameters dynamic (shear) viscosity η, thermal conductivity κ, heat coefficient at a constant
pressure Cp, heat coefficient at a constant pressure Cv, and static reference pressure P0 should be defined
for the Johnson-Champoux-Allard model. When the Johnson-Champoux-Allard model is provided with
ten inputs, it has better numerical accuracy than the Delany-Bazley or the Miki models, which require
only one input parameter.
In the absence of multiple parameters, except for fluid resistivity, either the Delany-Bazley of Miki
model can be a viable option for predicting the properties of a perforated material. The working range
of the Delany-Bazley model limits it to 0.01 < f/σ <1.00 where f is the frequency, while the Miki model
extends to f/σ < 0.01 for low frequencies.
For general damping material problems (depending on the availability of parameters), use either the
ZPRO or CDV model.
Specify the frequency-dependent equivalent fluid model of the perforated material as follows:
TB,PERF,,,,TBOPT
TBFIELD,FREQ,VALUE
TBDATA,,C1,C2,C3,C4,C5
The equivalent fluid model of perforated materials supports a full harmonic acoustic analysis only.
Example 5.4: Defining a Frequency-Dependent Johnson-Champoux-Allard Model

tb,perf,1,,,jca ! JCA model
tbfield,freq,f1 ! table at f1
tbdata,1,sig1,phi1,alp1,vis1,thr1 ! JCA parameters at f1
tbdata,1,sig2,phi2,alp2,vis2,thr2 ! JCA parameters at f2
Example 5.5: Defining a Frequency-Dependent Complex Effective Density and Sound Speed Model
tb,perf,1,,,cdv ! complex effective density and velocity model
Defining Acoustic Material Properties
tbdata,1,denr1,deni1,cr1,ci1 ! complex density and velocity at f1

tbdata,1,denr2,deni2,cr2,ci2 ! complex density and velocity at f2
Trimming the perforated structures to a transfer admittance matrix avoids dense mesh and creates ex-
cellent numerical accuracy. See Trim Element with Transfer Admittance Matrix (p. 47).
For more information, see Equivalent Fluid of Perforated Materials in the Mechanical APDL Theory Refer-
ence.
5.4. Viscous-Thermal Materials

The following topics related to viscous-thermal materials in an acoustic analysis are available:
5.4.1. Acoustic Propagation in the Viscous Fluid
5.4.2. Boundary Layer Impedance (BLI) Model
5.4.3. Low Reduced Frequency (LRF) Model
5.4.1. Acoustic Propagation in the Viscous Fluid

An acoustic propagating wave in a viscous media is dampened due to the viscosity of the fluid. The
interaction between the acoustic pressure wave in a viscous fluid and a rigid wall is not taken into ac-
count.
Define the viscosity of a fluid via the MP,VISC command.
Example 5.6: Defining a Viscous Material

For more information, see Acoustic Fundamentals in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
5.4.2. Boundary Layer Impedance (BLI) Model

The interaction between an acoustic pressure wave in a viscous fluid and a rigid wall is taken into account.
Specify a rigid wall as a boundary layer via the SF,Nlist,BLI command.
BLI models are supported in full harmonic acoustic analyses only.
Example 5.7: Defining a BLI Model

mp,bvis,1,1.096e-5 ! bulk viscosity
nsel,s,ext ! select exterior nodes

sf,all,bli ! flag boundary layer
For more information, see Boundary Layer Impedance (BLI) Model in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
Viscous-Thermal Materials
5.4.3. Low Reduced Frequency (LRF) Model

The interaction between an acoustic pressure wave in a viscous fluid and a rigid wall is taken into account
for specific structures according to low reduced frequency (LRF) approximation.
Define the LRF model via the TB,AFDM,,,,TBOPT command.
The following table shows the valid TBOPT values and input parameters for the LRF model in a viscous-
thermal fluid:
Table 5.2: Low Reduced Frequency Models
TBOPT Comments Input Parameters

THIN Thin layer between two rigid plates Thickness of the layer
RECT A tube with a rectangular cross section Width and height of the rectangle
CIRC A tube with a circular cross section Radius of the circle
LRF models are supported in full harmonic acoustic analyses only.
Example 5.8: Defining an LRF Model
The following example input defines a low reduced frequency model with a thin layer:
tb,afdm,1,,,thin ! basic acoustic materials

tbfield,freq,f1 ! table at frequency f1
tbdata,1,thick1 ! material parameters table
tbfield,freq,f2 ! table frequency f2
tbdata,1, thick2 ! material parameters table
For more information, see Low Reduced Frequency (LRF) Model in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
Chapter 6: Specifying Acoustic Analysis Region Attributes and
Meshing
Attributes assigned to a model prior to meshing include element type and material number. Assign
these attributes to a region (VATT) for volumes to be meshed with 3-D elements (FLUID30, FLUID220,
and FLUID221). Specify different material ID numbers for the various material regions.
For an acoustic FEA formulation, the mesh must be fine enough to minimize numerical dispersion effects
from finite discretization. In general, the mesh should have at least ten low-order elements and five
high-order elements per propagating or resonant wavelength of the material.
If different materials are present in the model, the mesh should have a smooth transition from the
dense to the coarse. To obtain better accuracy and efficiency, use your best judgment and knowledge
of the sound pressure field to determine appropriate mesh density. For example, if the pressure varies
sinusoidally along the wide side of a rectangular cross section and is uniform along the narrow side,
you might choose to mesh the cross section as shown in this figure:
Figure 6.1: Sound Pressure Distribution and FEM Model
Do not mix low-order and high-order elements together in a model. Unlike low-order elements, high-
order elements have midside nodes to follow the curvature of a model.
If using MESH200 elements to generate 3-D acoustic elements FLUID30, FLUID220, or FLUID221 (VEXT),
select one of the following MESH200 options:
• KEYOPT(1) = 4 for 3-D triangle elements, used for FLUID30
• KEYOPT(1) = 5 for 3-D triangle elements with midside nodes, used for FLUID221
• KEYOPT(1) = 6 for 3-D quadrilateral elements, used for FLUID30
• KEYOPT(1) = 7 for 3-D quadrilateral elements with midside nodes, used for FLUID220
Example 6.1: Generating FLUID220 Elements
The following input example uses MESH200 elements to generate FLUID220 elements:
et,1,220,,1
et,11,200,7
…
Rect,0,d,0,d
type,11
amesh,all
asel,s,loc,z,0
Specifying Acoustic Analysis Region Attributes and Meshing
etype,1
esize,,2
vext,all,,,,,dz
aclear,all
etdele,11
…
fini
Chapter 7: Applying Boundary Conditions in an Acoustic Analysis
Most boundary conditions can be applied to an acoustic analysis, either on the solid model entities or
on the finite element model entities. Applying boundary conditions to the solid model is advantageous
in that they are independent of the underlying finite element mesh.
The following related topics are available:

7.1. Applying Boundary Conditions
7.2. Absorbing Boundary Condition (ABC)
7.3. Artificially Matched Layers
7.4. Floquet Periodic Boundary Condition (FPBC)
7.1. Applying Boundary Conditions

The following table shows the boundary conditions available for an acoustic analysis:
Table 7.1: Acoustic Boundary Conditions
Boundary Condition Solid Model Entities FE Model Entities

Pressure (Sound-Soft Boundary, Lines or Areas Nodes
SSB) (p. 25)
Rigid Wall (Sound-Hard Boundary, None required None required
SHB) (p. 26)
Impedance Boundary Condition Areas Nodes
(IBC) (p. 26)
Free Surface (Sloshing Effect) (p. 27) Areas Nodes
Absorbing Boundary Condition Areas Nodes
(ABC) (p. 27)
Artificially Matched Layers (p. 29) Not Applicable Elements
Floquet Periodic Boundary Not Applicable Nodes
Condition (p. 35)
For general information about applying boundary conditions, see Loading in the Basic Analysis Guide.
7.1.1. Pressure Boundary

The pressure boundary is a Dirichlet boundary with p = p0. To apply pressure to the nodes of a finite
element model, issue the D,Node,PRES command.
Example 7.1: Applying Pressure to Nodes

nsel,s,loc,z,0.0 ! select the nodes
d,all,pres,dispr,dispi ! complex pressure
If using coupled acoustic elements (KEYOPT(2) = 0), avoid zero-pivot warning messages by setting the
displacement degrees of freedom (UX, UY, and UZ) at the element nodes not on the interface to zero.
Applying Boundary Conditions in an Acoustic Analysis
Example 7.2: Applying Displacement to Nodes

nsel,s,loc,z,0.0 ! select the nodes
d,all,ux,0 ! zero ux
d,all,uy,0 ! zero uy
d,all,uz,0 ! zero uz
7.1.2. Rigid Wall Boundary

The rigid wall boundary is a Neumann boundary with applied. It is not necessary to specify a
rigid wall boundary condition in an FEM acoustic analysis, as it is a natural boundary condition.
If the pressure spatial distribution can be predicted, the Neumann boundary can be used on the sym-
metric plane of the model to reduce the model size.
7.1.3. Surface Impedance Boundary

Table 7.2: Surface Impedance Boundary Conditions (p. 26) shows surface impedance boundary conditions
available for acoustic analysis. The sound pressure is damped on the impedance boundary and you can
use it to approximate infinity.
Table 7.2: Surface Impedance Boundary Conditions
Boundary Condition Definition SF Command Label

Infinite Radiation Boundary Z=ρ0C0 INF
Boundary with Absorption ATTN
Coefficient α
Impedance Boundary Z=Zr+jZi IMPD
The infinite radiation boundary assumes the ratio of the pressure and outward normal velocity is equal
to Z0 = ρ0C0. When the radiation boundary is close to the objects or the radiators, the outgoing pressure
wave may no longer hold the ratio Z0 and a numerical error may occur. Using either an absorbing
boundary element or artificially matched layers (p. 29) (PML or IPML) is more accurate for modeling
the far-field radiation boundary. An infinite radiation boundary can be applied to the nodes of the finite
element model via the SF,Nlist,INF command:
Example 7.3: Defining an Infinite Radiation Boundary

nsel,s,ext ! select exterior node on selected elements
sf,all,inf ! infinite radiation boundary
The absorption coefficient is often used to measure the absorption of a surface in acoustic applications.
The surface impedance with real value can deviate from the defined absorption coefficient, as shown
in Table 7.2: Surface Impedance Boundary Conditions (p. 26). The absorption coefficient of the surface
can be applied to nodes of the finite element model via the SF,Nlist,ATTN,VALUE command:
Example 7.4: Defining Boundary Absorption Coefficient

nsel,s,ext ! select exterior node on selected elements
sf,all,attn,0.5 ! boundary absorption coefficient
A more flexible complex surface impedance represents the specific ratio between pressure and normal
particle velocity on the surface. Surface impedance can be applied to nodes on the finite element
model via the SF,Nlist,IMPD,VALUE,VALUE2 command:
Absorbing Boundary Condition (ABC)
Example 7.5: Applying the Impedance BC in an Acoustic Radiation or Scattering Analysis
Apply the impedance boundary condition to the exterior surface of the model in an acoustic radiation
or scattering analysis.
Apply the impedance boundary condition to the inlet and outlet surface for the transparent port in an
acoustic propagating analysis.
For example, in a transmission loss analysis of a muffler, you might define the following:
nsel,s,loc,z,0 ! select nodes on inlet
sf,all,impd,z01 ! impedance on inlet
sf,all,shld,vn ! normal velocity on inlet
sf,all,port,10 ! transparent port
nsel,s,loc,l ! select nodes on outlet
sf,all,impd,z02 ! impedance on outlet
If a complex value is applied to a surface (SF,Nlist,IMPD,VALUE,VALUE2) in an acoustic modal ana-

lysis, a negative conductance of admittance is input as VALUE and the product of susceptance and
angular frequency is input as VALUE2.
Do not use the SF,Nlist,IMPD command to define the radiation boundary (SF,Nlist,INF) if the pure
scattered formulation is selected (ASOL,SC) unless the impedance value is different from the media
characteristic impedance Z0 = ρ0C0.
7.1.4. Free Surface (Sloshing Effect)

The free surface (sloshing effect) is taken into account by flagging the plane as a free surface
(SF,Nlist,FREE) and defining gravitational acceleration (ACEL).
The free surface must be aligned with the coordinate plane in the global Cartesian coordinate system.
The gravitational acceleration input is always positive regardless of how the model is set up.
Example 7.6: Defining the Sloshing Effect

nsel,s,loc,z,0 ! select the nodes on the free surface
sf,all,free ! flag the nodes on free surface
alls
acel,,,9.85 ! gravity acceleration in z-direction
For more information, see Acoustic Fluid-Structural Interaction (FSI) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Ref-
erence.
7.2. Absorbing Boundary Condition (ABC)

An exterior acoustics problem typically involves an infinite, homogenous, inviscid fluid. The pressure
wave must satisfy the Sommerfeld radiation condition. A typical approach to such a problem involves
truncating the unbounded domain by introducing a second-order absorbing element (FLUID130 or
FLUID129) on the boundary Γa at some distance from the structure.
For a 3-D acoustic analysis, the absorbing boundary must be a spherical enclosure centered at the origin
(x0,y0,z0) with radius ra.
For a 2-D acoustic analysis, the absorbing boundary must be a circle centered at the origin (x0,y0,0) with
radius Ra.
Absorbing elements have a mesh conforming to the underlying elements. The 4-node element FLUID130
(KEYOPT(1) = 0) is applied to the top of the 8-node element FLUID30. The 8-node element FLUID130
(KEYOPT(1) = 2) is applied to the top of the 20-node element FLUID220 or the 10-node element FLUID221.
The 2-node element FLUID129 is connected to the 4-node element FLUID29.
Generate the absorbing elements as follows:
1. Mesh the model enclosed by a spherical surface with FLUID30, FLUID220, or FLUID221 elements.
2. Select the underlying nodes and elements on the spherical boundary surface.
3. Generate a surface absorbing element with the ESURF command.
Example 7.7: Generating an Absorbing Element

et,1,220,,1 ! FLUID220
et,2,130,2 ! second-order FLUID130
r,1,1e-6
r,2,DIM_DISTANCE ! radius of sphere
mp,dens,1,1000 ! density
mpcopy,,1,2 ! copy material 1 to 2
! create 1/8 sphere
sphere,,DIM_DISTANCE,0,90 ! sphere
vsbw,all
vsel,s,loc,z,0,-DIM_DISTANCE
vdele,all,,,1
allsel,all
esize,DIM_ESIZE
vmesh,all ! mesh sphere with FLUID220
csys,2 ! activate spherical coordinate
asel,s,loc,x,DIM_DISTANCE ! select area on the sphere
csys,0 ! activate Cartesian coordinate
nsla,s,1 ! nodes attaching to area
! create surface mesh
type,2 ! FLUID130
real,2 ! real constant 2
mat,2 ! material 2
esurf ! generate surface element
allsel,all
Absorbing elements accommodate the symmetry of the model. If the radiated acoustic field has no
significant effect on the excitation source entity, the spherical absorbing boundary can locally enclose
the open space near the radiation outlet, as shown in this figure:
Figure 7.1: Spherical ABC for Symmetry and Near the Radiation Outlet
FLUID130 and FLUID129 can be used for modal, harmonic, and transient analyses.
Artificially Matched Layers
In a coupled harmonic analysis, the FLUID130 element is compatible with the symmetrical formulation
of the FLUID30, FLUID220 and FLUID221 elements (KEYOPT(1) = 2). The symmetrical formulation leads
to 2x performance improvement for factorization compared with the unsymmetrical solver.
For more information, see Absorbing Boundary Condition (ABC) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
7.3. Artificially Matched Layers

An absorbing boundary condition (ABC) absorbs the outgoing pressure wave so that there are no re-
flections back into the FEA computational domain. The artificially matched layers are the layers of
pressure-wave-absorbing elements designed for the mesh truncation of an open FEA domain with a
homogeneous isotropic material in a harmonic analysis. Artificially matched layers are a transparent
artificial anisotropic material which is heavily lossy to incoming pressure waves.
Using artificially matched layers can reduce the size of the computational domain significantly with
very small numerical reflections. A region of the artificially matched layers is backed by a soft-sound
boundary condition (p = 0, or the velocity potential Φ = 0 for the convective wave equation).
There are two methods for modeling artificially matched layers:

7.3.1. Perfectly Matched Layers (PML)
7.3.2. Irregular Perfectly Matched Layers (IPML)
7.3.1. Perfectly Matched Layers (PML)

The perfectly matched layers (PML) are located inside a cubic enclosure. The PML materials are specified
in face, edge, and corner regions in a three-dimensional model.
If the pressure wave should be absorbed in only one direction, such as in a traditional tube, construct
a 1-D PML region in the global Cartesian coordinate system or a local Cartesian coordinate system, as
shown in this figure:
Figure 7.2: 1-D Multiple PMLs for Pipes
To define PML elements, issue the ET command to specify the desired fluid element type (FLUID30,
FLUID220, or FLUID221). Set KEYOPT(4) = 1 for that element type prior to meshing the PML region. Use
any element shape to mesh the PML block.
More than one 1-D PML regions can exist in a model. The PML element coordinate system (PSYS)
uniquely identifies each PML region. Define a Cartesian coordinate system (LOCAL) with one axis in the
wave-propagating direction, then assign the coordinate system to the elements in the PML region
(VATT or PSYS prior to meshing, or EMODIF after meshing).
Example 7.8: Defining PML Elements in a Local Coordinate System

et,11,200,6 ! Mesh element
et,1,30,,1 ! Normal fluid30
et,2,30,,1,,1 ! PML fluid30

…
local,11,0,2,3,4,50,-60,135 ! Local coordinate
wpcsys,,11
rect,0,l,-d/2,d/2 ! Area in local cs
rect,l,l+dpml,-d/2,d/2 ! Area in local cs
aglue,all
esize,h
type,11
amesh,all ! Mesh area with mesh200
asel,all
asel,u,,,3
esla
type,1 ! Normal element
mat,1
esize,,2
vext,all,,,0,0,d, ! 3d mesh with normal element
psys,11 ! Activate local PML element coordinate
asel,s,,,3
type,2, ! PML element
mat,1
esize,,2
vext,all,,,0,0,d, ! 3d mesh with PML element in psys 11
…
nsel,s,loc,x,l+dpml ! Nodes backed to PML
d,all,pres,0. ! Zero pressure on boundary
A 3-D PML region consists of layers of elements extending from the interior volume towards the open
domain, as shown in this figure:
Figure 7.3: PML Enclosure
Construct a block about the origin in the global Cartesian coordinate system or a local Cartesian coordin-
ate system. Align the edges of the 3-D PML region with the axes of the Cartesian coordinate system.
To optimize the absorbing efficiency of the PML, construct the PML regions and apply the following
parameters carefully:
• Thickness of the PML region
• Number of PML elements (≥ 3)
• Attenuation parameters
• Number of buffer elements between the PML region and objects or discontinuities (≥ 2)
The attenuation from the PML interface to the PML exterior surface is a parabolic distribution that
minimizes numerical reflections from the PML elements, as shown in this figure:
Figure 7.4: Attenuation Distribution
The numerical reflection is caused by the discretization of a continuous distribution of material from
element to element. To obtain satisfactory numerical accuracy, use at least two layers of PML elements.
The PML thickness may need to be greater than 1/10 of a wavelength.
Because a PML region acts as an infinite open domain, any boundary conditions and material properties
must be carried over to the PML region. Material properties such as mass density and sound speed in
the PML region must be identical to those of the adjacent interior region.
A sound-soft Dirichlet boundary with p = 0 or Φ = 0 must back all exterior surfaces of the PML region,
except for symmetric surfaces with a rigid wall boundary condition. To specify a sound-soft boundary
condition on the outer surfaces of the PML region, use the D,,PRES,0 command for a finite element
model (the velocity potential Φ is assigned to the pressure degree-of-freedom label for the convective
wave equation). The sound-soft or sound-hard boundary conditions can be applied on symmetric surfaces
of a PML region.
Include at least two buffer elements between the PML region and a discontinuity or object in the domain,
as shown in this figure:
Figure 7.5: Buffer Elements
The PML can then absorb the outgoing wave effectively and minimize numerical reflections.
Because PML is an artificial anisotropic material, excitation sources are prohibited in the PML region.
The attenuation of the pressure wave in a PML region can be controlled. If desired, use the PMLOPT
command to specify the normal reflection coefficient (harmonic) for propagating waves:
PMLOPT,PSYS,Lab,Xminus,Xplus,Yminus,Yplus,Zminus,Zplus, MixOpt
The direction designations are Xminus, Yminus, Zminus, Xplus, Yplus, and Zplus. The minus and
plus refer to the negative and positive directions along the Cartesian coordinate axes, respectively.
When MixOpt is activated, both the propagating wave and the evanescent wave are attenuated. The
program chooses the coefficient α value (where α > 1) of the PML parameter (s = α - jβ) in terms of
the normal reflection coefficients.
If the propagating wave is absorbed in only one direction, define a 1-D PML region (Lab = ONE). In this
case, only the Xminus argument is necessary.
For a 3-D PML region, a different normal reflection coefficient can be defined for each direction (Xminus,
Yminus, Zminus, Xplus, Yplus, Zplus). Normal reflection coefficients default to 10-3 (-60 dB) for
a harmonic analysis. Normal reflection coefficients should be less than 1.0. If only a very few PML layers
are used (for example, two or three), specifying a very small normal reflection coefficient (such as -100
dB) may lead to significant numerical reflection.
Example 7.9: Defining 3-D PML Parameters
The following example input defines 3-D PML parameters as illustrated in Figure 7.3: PML Enclos-
ure (p. 30):
pmlxm=0 ! No PML in –x direction
pmlxp=-40 ! -40 dB in +x direction
pmlym=0 ! No PML in –y direction
pmlyp=-40 ! -40 dB in +y direction
pmlzm=-60 ! -60 dB in –z direction
pmlzp=-60 ! -60 dB in +z direction
! Define 3-d PML

pmlopt,0,three,pmlxm,pmlym,pmlzm,pmlxp,pmlyp,pmlzp
Repeat the PMLOPT command for additional PML regions. The PML may have a different number of
elements in each direction.
The number of PML layers determines the absorbing efficiency of the PML region. An excessive number
of PML elements significantly increases computational requirements. The number of PML layers (n) for
acceptable numerical accuracy is determined by the following command:
PMLSIZE,FREQB,FREQE,DMIN,DMAX,THICK,ANGLE
The following figure shows the relationship between DMIN, DMAX, and THICK:
Figure 7.6: Distance Between Source/Objects and PML Region
If n < 2, the number of layers is set to 2 to reduce numerical reflection. If n > 20, the number of layers
is set to 20 to avoid an excessive number of PML elements.
Before meshing the model, issue the PMLSIZE command. If the thickness of the PML region is known,
the command specifies an element edge length. If the thickness of the PML region is unknown, it specifies
the number of layers (n). For further information, see the PMLOPT and PMLSIZE commands in the
Command Reference.
PML is used only in acoustic harmonic analysis.
PML may be necessary in cases where:
• The impedance is unknown on exterior surfaces of the model, such as complex scatters.
• Multiple propagating modes on the outlet surface are excited by discontinuities in the structure so that the
defined impedance may not absorb all outgoing propagating modes.
• Using the spherical second-order ABC leads to numerous elements or lesser accuracy.
• High absorbing rate is required for greater numerical accuracy.
In most acoustic radiation and scattering applications, the open domain is fully enclosed by 3-D PML,
as shown in Figure 7.3: PML Enclosure (p. 30). If the radiated acoustic field has no significant effect on
the excitation source entity, however, the 3-D PML can be used to locally enclose the open space near
the radiation outlet, as shown in this figure:
Figure 7.7: PML Near the Radiation Outlet
It is necessary to separate the PML region and sound-propagating region with the rigid wall, as the
PML connects only to the infinity.
For more information, see Perfectly Matched Layers (PML) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
7.3.2. Irregular Perfectly Matched Layers (IPML)

The locally conformed, irregular perfectly matched layers (IPML) are located inside a convex enclosure.
The IPML material is specified based on the local normal direction of the IPML interface, as shown in
the figure below.
Figure 7.8: IPML Elements
IPML is used only in harmonic acoustic analysis. The use of the IPML is the same as discussed for PML
(see Perfectly Matched Layers (PML) (p. 29)). Fewer buffering and absorbing elements are generated
for IPML compared to PML. However, IPML may have worse absorption than PML. IPML does not support
the pure scattered pressure formulation in radiation or scattering analyses.
To define IPML elements, issue the ET command to specify the desired fluid element type (FLUID30,
FLUID220, or FLUID221). Set KEYOPT(4) = 2 for that element type prior to meshing the IPML region. Use
any element shape to mesh the IPML region.
The IPML region is not related to any user-specified global or local coordinate system.
The construction of a 1-D IPML region is similar to 1-D PML construction (see Figure 7.2: 1-D Multiple
PMLs for Pipes (p. 29)).
A 3-D IPML region consists of elements extending from the interior convex-shaped volume towards the
open domain, as shown in the figure below.
Figure 7.9: IPML Enclosure
It is necessary to construct IPML as a convex region. To optimize the absorbing efficiency of the IPML,
construct the IPML regions and apply the following parameters carefully:
• Uniform thickness of the IPML region
• Number of IPML elements (≥3)
• Program-controlled attenuation parameters
• Number of buffer elements between the IPML region and objects or discontinuities (≥2)
Floquet Periodic Boundary Condition (FPBC)
The attenuation from the IPML interface to the IPML exterior surface is a parabolic distribution (see
Figure 7.4: Attenuation Distribution (p. 31)).
Boundary conditions and material properties must be carried over into the IPML region. Material prop-
erties of the IPML must be identical to those of the adjacent interior region. Excitation sources are
prohibited in the IPML region.
A sound-soft Dirichlet boundary with p = 0 or Φ = 0 must back all exterior surfaces of the IPML region,
except for symmetric surfaces with a rigid wall boundary condition. Use the D,,PRES,0 command to
specify the sound-soft boundary condition (the velocity potential Φ is assigned to the pressure degree-
of-freedom label for the convective wave equation). Sound-soft or sound-hard boundary conditions
can be applied on symmetric surfaces of the IPML region. If the pressure constraint is not defined in
the model, the program can automatically apply a zero pressure constraint to the exterior surface of
the IPML. The sound-soft rigid walls (symmetric planes) must be flagged by the SF,,RIGW command.
Use the PMLOPT command to adjust the attenuation of the pressure wave in the IPML region. Specify
the normal reflection coefficient (harmonic) for propagating waves via the Xminus argument:
PMLOPT,,,Xminus,,,,,, MixOpt
Only the Xminus and MixOpt arguments are used for IPML. When MixOpt is activated, both the
propagating wave and the evanescent wave are attenuated.
Example 7.10: Defining IPML Elements with Symmetric Planes

et,1,30,,1 ! Normal FLUID30
et,2,30,,1,,2 ! IPML FLUID30
…
sphere,0,r1,0,90 ! Normal volume
sphere,r1,r2,0,90 ! IPML volume
…
type,2
mat,1
vsel,s,,,2
vmesh,all ! Mesh with IPML element
…
nsel,s,loc,x,0
nsel,a,loc,y,0
sf,all,rigw ! Flag sound-soft symmetric planes
…
For more information, see Irregular Perfectly Matched Layers (IPML) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Ref-
erence.
7.4. Floquet Periodic Boundary Condition (FPBC)

The pressure wave satisfies the Floquet principle if the wave propagates in a periodic structure. The
infinite extension assumption allows you to investigate a single periodic unit cell as shown in the fol-
lowing figure.
Figure 7.10: Unit Cell of a Periodic Structure
The cell sidewalls are assigned as master and slave boundaries, and they are bound together by the
periodic boundary conditions.
To impose periodic boundary conditions, the mesh pattern on the master boundary must be identical
to the mesh pattern on the slave boundary. You must mesh the master boundary using the AMESH
command. You then use the AGEN or MSHCOPY command to generate the mesh on the slave
boundary prior to meshing the cell volume.
Matching the nodes on the master boundary to the nodes on the slave boundary imposes the periodic
boundary conditions. Use the CP or CPCYC command to define the master-slave coupled nodal pairs.
For more information on the Floquet periodic boundary condition, see Acoustic Boundary Conditions
in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
7.4.1. Floquet Boundary Condition for Harmonic Analysis

In a harmonic analysis, the phase shift and attenuation from the master node to the master node across
the period should be defined on the slave node corresponding to the master node in the master-slave
coupled pair. If the complex propagating constant (the phase and attenuation constant) is known on
the slave node, issue the following command:
BF,Node,FPBC,VAL1,VAL2
On the other hand, the phase shift across the period can be calculated by the program on the slave
nodes for the plane wave incidence if a plane wave port (APORT,,PLAN command) is defined.
An obliquely incident plane wave may be launched into the unit model of the periodic structure by the
APORT command; the program calculates the phase shift on the slave node in terms of defined coupled
pairs. Since multiple modes can be excited by the incident plane wave due to the discontinuity in the
periodic structure, either PML or IPML (PMLOPT) should be used to truncate the domain. The interior
plane wave port (APORT) launches the oblique plane wave. The port cross section is perpendicular to
the z direction of the local coordinate system.
If structural elements exist with the FSI, the coupled nodal pairs and phase shift are also applied on the
structural elements. It is necessary to define a small PML or IPML reflection (for example, 1.0e-6 input
on the PMLOPT command) if the nearly grazing incident angle occurs. The MSOLVE command performs
an angle sweep when the multiple planar wave incident angles are investigated.
Floquet Periodic Boundary Condition (FPBC)
In postprocessing, the PRAS and PLAS commands print and plot the frequency responses of the sound
power parameters on the ports with multiple incident angles.
Example 7.11: Defining the FPBC in a Harmonic Analysis

et,1,220,, ! acoustic element
et,2,220,,1,,1 ! acoustic PML element
et,3,186 ! structural element
...
! FSI interface on both sides of structural plate
nsel,s,loc,z,strB
nsel,a,loc,z,strE
sf,all,fsi
! coupled nodes
nsel,s,loc,x,xSlave
nsel,a,loc,x,xMaster
nsel,r,loc,z,zBeg,zEnd ! all nodes on cell walls
cpcyc,all,,,(xMaster-xSlave) ! coupling nodes with period
...
nsel,s,loc,z,zPort1 ! interior port 1
bf,all,port,1
aport,1,plan,0,p0,0,0,0,theta ! source port
nsel,s,loc,z,zPort2 ! interior port 2
bf,all,port,2
aport,2,plan,0,0,0,0,0,theta ! output port
...
d,all,pres,0. ! zero pressure on PML exterior
pmlopt,,,,,,,1.e-6,1.e-6 ! PML parameter
...
7.4.2. Floquet Boundary Condition for Modal Analysis

In a modal analysis with FPBC, either the phase shift or the frequency is solved according to the known
parameters.
Note that the Floquet periodic boundary condition does not support acoustic fluid-structure interaction
(FSI) in a modal analysis.
7.4.2.1. Frequency as Eigenvalue Solution

If the phase shift in the Floquet principle is known as 0 or , the frequency f0 or fπ will be the eigenvalue
in the modal analysis. On the slave nodes, either the 0 or the value is defined by one of the following
BF commands:
BF,Node,FPBC,0
BF,Node,FPBC,3.1415926535
The frequencies locate between f0 and fπ when the phase shift varies between 0 and . Usually, the
frequencies f0 and fπ are solved before solving the phase shift with a given frequency. For the phase
shift L = 0, select the block Lanczos or subspace eigensolver (Method = LANB or SUBSP on the
MODOPT command). For the phase shift L = , select the unsymmetric eigensolver (Method = UNSYM
on the MODOPT command).
Example 7.12: Solving Frequency Eigenvalue in a Modal Analysis with FPBC

...
! coupled nodes
nsel,s,loc,x,xSlave

...
nsel,s,loc, x,xSlave ! select slave nodes
bf,all,FPBC,3.1415926 ! define phase shift
...
/solu
modopt,unsym,2,1.e-7,50000 ! select unsymmetric eigensolver
...
7.4.2.2. Phase Shift as Eigenvalue Solutions

In practical design, the dispersion relationship of the periodic structure between propagating constant
and frequency is often required, which shows the banded periodical filtering property. The frequency
solution is no longer available when the phase shift is not 0 or since the complex value derived from
the phase shift leads to a frequency-dependent damping matrix in the eigenvalue matrix equation that
cannot be solved by a standard eigenvalue solver. The alternative is to construct a new eigen equation
taking the phasor as the eigenvalue with a given working frequency.
To flag the slave nodes, issue the following BF command:
BF,Node,FPBC,YES
The working frequency is defined by the MODOPT command:
MODOPT,Method,NMODE,FREQB,FREQE,Cpxmod,Nrmkey,ModType,BlockSize, --,
--, --, FREQMOD
For the phasor eigenvalue, select the unsymmetric eigensolver (Method = UNSYM on the MODOPT
command).
Example 7.13: Solving the Phasor Eigenvalue in a Modal Analysis with FPBC
...
! coupled nodes
nsel,s,loc,x,xSlave
...
nsel,s,loc, x,xSlave ! select slave nodes
bf,all,FPBC,YES ! flag slave nodes
...
/solu
modopt,unsym,2,1.e-7,2,,,,,,,200 ! define unsymm. solver and frequency
...
Chapter 8: Applying Excitation Sources and Loads in an Acoustic
Analysis
The following topics are available:
8.1. Applying Acoustic Excitation Sources
8.2. Applying Acoustic Loads
8.1. Applying Acoustic Excitation Sources

Sound excitation sources are fundamental to an acoustic analysis. You can introduce sound excitation
sources via:
• Specified pressure at nodes (D)
• Normal velocity (harmonic analysis) or acceleration (transient analysis) on the exterior surface of the domain
(SF)
• Arbitrary velocity (harmonic analysis) or acceleration (transient analysis) on the exterior surface of the domain
(BF)
• Analytic incident wave sources (AWAVE)
• Mass source (harmonic analysis) or mass source rate (transient analysis) at nodes, along lines, on surfaces,
or in volumes (BF)
• Acoustic duct port on the surfaces (SF or BF)
The following table shows all excitation sources available for acoustic analysis:
Table 8.1: Acoustic Excitation Sources
Excitation Sources FE Model Entities

Pressure Nodes
Outward normal velocity (acceleration) Nodes
Arbitrary nodal velocity (acceleration) Nodes or elements
Analytic incident wave sources Not applicable
Mass sources Nodes
Diffuse sound field Not applicable
Acoustic duct port Nodes
Excitation sources can be applied on the finite element model entities.
The following detailed descriptions of the available excitations are available:

8.1.1. Pressure Excitation
8.1.2. Outward Normal Velocity (Acceleration) Excitation
8.1.3. Arbitrary Velocity (Acceleration) Excitation
Applying Excitation Sources and Loads in an Acoustic Analysis
8.1.4. Analytic Incident Wave Sources

8.1.5. Mass Source (Mass Source Rate)
8.1.6. Random Excitation with Diffuse Sound Field
8.1.7. Specified Mode Excitation in an Acoustic Duct
For general information about applying loads, see Loading in the Basic Analysis Guide.
8.1.1. Pressure Excitation

Pressure excitation (D,Node,PRES) behaves as a Dirichlet pressure boundary (Pressure Boundary (p. 25)).
When applying pressure excitation, the pressure is enforced to a given value. Sound pressure reflected
by other objects back to the excitation point cannot be taken into account.
Pressure excitation can be used only under conditions where the effect of reflected sound pressure is
not required.
8.1.2. Outward Normal Velocity (Acceleration) Excitation

Outward normal velocity or acceleration can be applied to the exterior surface of the model
(SF,Nlist,SHLD).
Apply a minus sign of the outward normal velocity if an inward normal velocity is required.
For a harmonic analysis, a complex normal velocity to the surface is defined by the amplitude and phase
angle. The program solves for the pressure on the normal velocity excitation surface.
Normal velocity excitation exists either on the structural surface or on the transparent pressure wave
port on which the incident wave propagates into the acoustic domain and the reflected wave backs to
the infinity. To absorb the reflected wave on the transparent port, apply the impedance boundary to
the port surface (SF,Nlist,IMPD or SF,Nlist,INF) along with the velocity excitation. To distinguish
the transparent wave port from the structural surface, specify the transparent port surface
(SF,Nlist,PORT).
The following command applies outward normal velocity or acceleration to the nodes of the FE model:
SF,Nlist,SHLD,Value,Value2
Example 8.1: Defining the Normal Velocity and Impedance BC on a Transparent Wave Port
nsel,loc,z,0 ! select nodes at z = 0
sf,all,shld,vn,ang ! complex normal velocity
sf,all,impd,z0 ! impedance boundary
Example 8.2: Defining the Normal Velocity and Impedance BC on a Structural Surface
sf,all,shld,vn,ang ! complex normal velocity
Example 8.3: Defining the Frequency Dependency of the Normal Velocity of Acceleration
Use tables (*DIM) in the SF command to define the frequency dependency of the normal velocity of
acceleration, as shown:
*dim,vn,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! normal velocity table
*dim,ang,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! angle table
Applying Acoustic Excitation Sources
vn(1,0,1)=FreqB ! beginning frequency

vn(2,0,1)=FreqE ! ending frequency
vn(1,1,1)=vn1 ! normal velocity at FreqB
vn(2,1,1)=vn2 ! normal velocity at FreqE
ang(1,1,1)=ang1 ! phase angle at FreqB
ang(2,1,1)=ang2 ! phase angle at FreqE
nsel,s,loc,z,0 ! select nodes at z = 0
sf,all,shld,%vn%,%ang% ! tabular complex vn
8.1.3. Arbitrary Velocity (Acceleration) Excitation

An arbitrary velocity or acceleration can be applied to the nodes on the exterior surface of the model
(BF,Node,VELO).
The arbitrary velocities are projected to the outward normal direction on the excitation surface after
interpolation during an acoustic solution. For a harmonic analysis, a complex velocity is defined by the
amplitudes and phase angles of the components.
The arbitrary velocity or acceleration can be defined in a local Cartesian coordinate system (LOCAL),
then assigned to the elements (VATT or ESYS prior to meshing or EMODIF after meshing). The program
solves for pressure on the velocity excitation surface. If the reflected sound pressure waves that are
passing through the velocity excitation surface are simulated, apply the impedance boundary condition
to the excitation surface. The arbitrary velocity excitation exists either on the structural surface or on
the transparent pressure wave port.
The following command applies arbitrary velocity to the nodes of the FE model:
BF,Node,VELO,Vx,Vy,Vz,AngX,AngY,AngZ
Example 8.4: Defining the Arbitrary Velocity and Impedance BC on a Transparent Wave Port
et,1,220,,1 ! uncoupled acoustic element
local,11 ! local coordinate
esys,11 ! use local as element esys
…
bf,all,velo,vx,vy,vz,angx,angy,angz ! complex arbitrary velocity
Example 8.5: Defining the Frequency Dependency of the Arbitrary Velocity or Acceleration
Use tables (*DIM) in the BF command to define the frequency dependency of the arbitrary velocity or
acceleration, as shown:
*dim,vx,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! vx table
*dim,vy,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! vy table
*dim,vz,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! vz table
*dim,ax,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! angle x table
*dim,ay,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! angle y table
*dim,az,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! angle z table
vx(1,0,1)=FreqB ! beginning frequency
vx(2,0,1)=FreqE ! ending frequency
vx(1,1,1)=vx1 ! vx at FreqB
vx(2,1,1)=vx2 ! vx at FreqE
vy(1,1,1)=vy1 ! vy at FreqB
vy(2,1,1)=vy2 ! vy at FreqE
vz(1,1,1)=vz1 ! vz at FreqB
vz(2,1,1)=vy2 ! vz at FreqE
ax(1,1,1)=vx1 ! angle x at FreqB
ax(2,1,1)=vx2 ! angle x at FreqE
ay(1,1,1)=vy1 ! angle y at FreqB
ay(2,1,1)=vy2 ! angle y at FreqE
az(1,1,1)=vz1 ! angle z at FreqB
az(2,1,1)=vy2 ! angle z at FreqE

bf,all,velo,%vx%,%vy%,%vz%,%ax%,%ay%,%az% ! complex velocity table
8.1.4. Analytic Incident Wave Sources

Acoustic analyses often use wave sources with analytic functions in harmonic analysis. The following
table shows all available analytic wave sources for acoustic analyses:
Table 8.2: Acoustic Analytic Incident Wave Sources
Wave Sources Comments

Planar wave Plane wave with the incident φ and θ in the global spherical
coordinate system from infinity
Monopole or pulsating sphere Spherical wave from the origin (xs,ys,zs)
Dipole Consists of two monopoles or pulsating spheres with
opposite signs and a small separation
Back enclosed loudspeaker Loudspeaker with back enclosure acting as a monopole
Bare loudspeaker Loudspeaker without back enclosure acting as a dipole
To define various incident wave sources, issue the AWAVE command
Specify the integer number (WaveNum) or an acoustic incident wave inside or outside of the model.
Valid values are 1 through 20. One or more wave types can be selected. The amplitude of the pressure
or normal velocity is used for the excitation.
A planar wave can be defined in terms of the amplitude and the spatial incident angles in the global
spherical coordinate system, as shown in this figure:
Figure 8.1: Spherical Coordinates
Because the incident planar wave is approximated by the far-field wave front of a source far from the
receiver, both the initial phase angle and the source original are ignored.
Specify the analytic incident wave sources and select either the total pressure field or the scattered
field solver in an acoustic scattering analysis.
If the scattered parameter is required and the scattered pressure field is much smaller than the incident
pressure field, use the scattered pressure field solver (ASOL,SCAT) to avoid numerical errors. Control
the output result as needed for either the total or scattered nodal pressure in the model (ASCRES).
Specify incident wave sources as external sources (Opt2 = EXT on the AWAVE command) if a scattering
analysis is needed.
When analytic incident wave sources are used inside the model (Opt2 = INT on the AWAVE command),
only the scattered pressure field solver is activated, regardless of whether the ASOL,SCAT command is
issued.
The source origin must be located inside the model. The plane wave incident source cannot be used
inside the model.
The uniform normal velocity on the cross section can be used to launch the plane wave. When analytic
incident wave sources are located inside the model, the nodal total pressure is always output, even
though the scattered field solver is used.
Example 8.6: Defining an Internal Pulsating Sphere with Normal Velocity

block,0,xs,0,ys,0,zs ! geometry of model
…
awave,1,mono,velo,int,v0,ang,xs/2,ys/2,zs/2 ! incident wave inside of model
Example 8.7: Defining an External Dipole with Pressure

…
awave,1,dipole,pres,ext,p0,ang,-xs,-ys,-zs ! incident wave outside of model
It is not necessary to assign the internal analytic incident wave sources to the FE nodes. It is convenient
to use the internal analytic incident wave sources rather than meshing the wave source structure, such
as a pulsating sphere.
For more information, see Pure Scattered Pressure Formulation in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
8.1.5. Mass Source (Mass Source Rate)

To excite sound waves in an acoustic model, use a mass source (harmonic analysis) or mass source rate
(transient analysis).
The mass source is input by defining up to one scalar quantity (Lab = MASS on the BF command) and
a phase angle. The mass source is specified at nodes (BF).
For a volume mass source, specify the mass source on the volumetric nodes.
For a surface mass source, specify the mass source on at least three nodes on an element face. The
surface current source must coincide with the elements faces.
For a line mass source, specify the mass source at two nodes connected by an element edge. The line
current source must coincide with the element edges.
A point mass source must be at the element nodes.
In general, a mass source launches the pressure wave in all directions. For a propagating or resonant
system, a mass source can be used to excite the propagating modes or resonant modes of the structure.
Only proper modes can exist in the structure. To reduce the parasitic modes, choose the distribution
of the mass source based on the pressure distribution of the excited mode.
When a mass source is applied to an exterior surface, the excited pressure is determined by p = qsc0.
On an exterior or interior transparent port, the excited pressure is given by p = qsc0 / 2.
Example 8.8: Defining a Surface Mass Source

bf,all,mass,masmag,masang ! complex mass source
Example 8.9: Defining the Frequency Dependency of the Arbitrary Mass Source or Mass Source
Rate
Use tables (*DIM) in the BF command to define the frequency dependency of the arbitrary mass source
or mass source rate, as shown:
*dim,masmag,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! mass source amplitude table
*dim,masang,TABLE,2,1,1,FREQ ! mass source angle table
masmag (1,0,1)=FreqB ! beginning frequency
masmag (2,0,1)=FreqE ! ending frequency
masmag (1,1,1)=vx1 ! amplitude at FreqB
masmag (2,1,1)=vx2 ! amplitude at FreqE
masang (1,1,1)=vz1 ! angle at FreqB
masang (2,1,1)=vy2 ! angle at FreqE
bf,all,mass,% masmag%,%masang% ! complex mass source table
For more information, see Mass Source in the Wave Equation in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
8.1.6. Random Excitation with Diffuse Sound Field

The diffuse sound field is approached by the asymptotic model summing a high number of uncorrelated
plane waves with random phases from all directions in free space. The DFSWAVE command defines
the diffuse sound field.
The incident space of the diffuse sound field is mesh-free. A reference sphere related to the structural
panel defines the incident plane waves. The radius R of the reference sphere should be at least 50 times
the maximum dimension of the structural panel. The energy of the diffuse sound field uniformly distrib-
utes on the reference sphere surface in all directions. The sphere surface is equally divided into N ele-
mentary surfaces.
The plane center of the structural panel should be located at the origin of the local Cartesian coordinate
system (LOCAL) (defaults to the global Cartesian coordinate system). The +z axis of the Cartesian co-
ordinate system must be consistent with the panel’s outward normal unit vector on the panel’s incident
diffuse sound field side. The structural panel is meshed by solid or shell elements.
The receiving domain is meshed by acoustic elements and truncated by artificially matched layers (p. 29)
(PML or IPML) or by absorbing elements, as shown in this figure:
Figure 8.2: Physical Sampling of Diffuse Sound Field
If the effect of the acoustic fluid on the structural panel can be ignored, it is not necessary to create a
receiving acoustic domain. The radiated sound far-field is calculated in the postprocessor (PRFAR,PLAT
or PLFAR,PLAT) once the structural panel model is solved with the flagged equivalent source surface
(SF,,MXWF).
In practice, the sphere surface is divided into M parallel rings along the z axis of a local Cartesian co-
ordinate system, and the program generates the elementary surfaces, each having nearly the same area.
When defining the diffuse sound field, the DFSWAVE command specifies the local coordinate system
number, the radius of the reference sphere, the reference power spectral density, mass density of the
incident space, the sound speed in the incident space, the maximum incident angle of the plane waves,
the number of the parallel rings, and the sampling options.
To excite the vibro-acoustics system, generate the SURF154 surface element on the surface of the
structural elements.
The symmetry of a panel structure cannot be used to reduce the simulation size, as the incident plane
waves have varying random phase angles.
To initiate multiple solutions (load steps) for random acoustics analysis with multiple samplings, issue
the MSOLVE command. The process is controlled by the norm convergence tolerance (VAL1 on MSOLVE)
or the number of multiple solutions if the number of solution steps reaches the number specified
(NUMSLV on MSOLVE). The program checks the norm convergence by comparing two averaged sets
of radiated sound powers with the interval of the norm (VAL2 on MSOLVE) over the frequency range.
To calculate the average transmission loss for multiple sampling phases at each frequency over the
frequency range, issue the PRAS or PLAS command.
Example 8.10: Diffuse Sound Field Analysis of a Panel

et,1,220,,0 ! coupled acoustic element
et,3,281 ! structure shell element
et,4,154 ! surface element
…
cm,nod1,node ! group vibro-acoustics FSI interface nodes
sf,all,fsi ! flag FSI interface
…
sectype,2,shell
secdata,0.005,2
cmsel,s,nod1 ! select FSI interface nodes
type,3
mat,2
secn,2
esurf ! generate shell element
alls
esel,s,type,,3 ! select shell element

type,4
mat,2
…
! define diffuse sound field

dfswave,0,15,1,1.225,340,90,20,all
!
finish
/solu
antype,harmic
harfrq,100,200
nsubst,100
msolve,5 ! five samples
finish
/post1
pras,dfstl,avg ! print transmission loss
plas,dfstl,avg ! plot transmission loss
finish
For more information, see Random Acoustics in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
8.1.7. Specified Mode Excitation in an Acoustic Duct

A single mode or multiple modes may exist in the acoustic duct. Launching a specified acoustic mode
into a guided acoustic wave system with discontinuities excites multiple propagating or evanescent
modes, depending on the working frequency and geometrical dimension of the duct.
If the lowest order mode is launched and the higher order modes decay as the parasitic evanescent
modes near the discontinuities, the acoustic port can be used to terminate the inlet or outlet with the
specified mode. While the multiple propagating modes are excited and propagate in the acoustic duct,
PML or IPML (p. 29) should be used for the domain truncation.
Define the property of an analytic modal port via the following command:
APORT,PortNum,Label,KCN,PRES,PHASE,--,VAL1,VAL2,VAL3,VAL4
The available analytic port types are planar wave, rectangular duct, circular duct, and coaxial duct.
Example 8.11: Defining Uncoupled Trim Elements

...
nsel,s,loc,z,0
nsel,a,loc,z,1
sf,all,fsi ! fsi interface
nsel,s,loc,x,-1
nsel,a,loc,x,1
nsel,r,loc,z,-5,5
cpcyc,all,,,2 ! coupled nodes for PBC
...
nsel,s,loc,z,4
Applying Acoustic Loads
bf,all,port,1 ! flag interior port 1

aport,1,plan,0,p0,0,0,0,theta ! plane wave source port
nsel,s,loc,z,-4)
bf,all,port,2 ! flag interior port 2
aport,2,plan,0,0,0,0,0,theta ! plane wave output port
nsel,s,loc,z,-5
nsel,a,loc,z,5
d,all,pres,0 ! zero pressure on PML exterior surface
Note that the transverse cross section of the acoustic port must be located on the x-y plane in the
defined local coordinates system (LOCAL).
The low-order FLUID30 element does not support the higher modes in the coaxial duct.
For more information, see Analytic Port Modes in a Duct in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
8.2. Applying Acoustic Loads

The following table shows all available loads for an acoustic analysis:
Table 8.3: Acoustic Loads
Loads FE Model Entities

Transfer admittance matrix Nodes
Impedance sheet Nodes
Equivalent surface source Nodes
Temperature Nodes or elements
Static pressure Nodes
Surface port Nodes
Mean flow velocity Nodes
The loads can be applied on FE model entities.
Use of temperature and static pressure body load are discussed in Non-Uniform Ideal Gas Material (p. 18).
The following related topics are available:

8.2.1.Trim Element with Transfer Admittance Matrix
8.2.2. Impedance Sheet
8.2.3. Equivalent Surface Source
8.2.4. Surface Port
8.2.5. Mean Flow Effect
8.2.1. Trim Element with Transfer Admittance Matrix

To avoid meshing a complicated perforated structure, introduce a 2 x 2 transfer admittance matrix to
trim the complex perforated structures. Define the element material and name it as the trim element
(TB,PERF,,,,YMAT). Transfer admittance matrices are available only in harmonic acoustic analyses.
The coupled trim element connects with both the structural element and uncoupled acoustic element.
The uncoupled trim element connects with the uncoupled acoustic elements, as shown in the following
figure:
Figure 8.3: Trim Element with Transfer Admittance Matrix
If the trim elements connect only to the uncoupled acoustic element, define the port numbers of the
2 x 2 transfer admittance matrix with positive integers on a pair of the opposite faces of the element
(SF,Nlist,PORT). The smaller port number corresponds to port 1 of the 2 x 2 transfer admittance
matrix and the greater port number corresponds to port 2.
If one face of the coupled trim element is defined as the FSI interface (SF,Nlist,FSI), it is assigned to
port 1 of the transfer admittance matrix, while its opposite face connecting with the acoustic element
should be defined by a port number (SF,Nlist,PORT), corresponding to port 2 of the transfer admittance
matrix.
The following table shows the available transfer admittance matrix models:
Table 8.4: Transfer Admittance Matrix Models of Perforated Structures:TB,PERF,,,,TBOPT
TBOPT Model Input Parameters

YMAT General transfer admittance 2 x 2 complex admittance matrix: Y11,Y12,Y21,Y22
matrix
HGYM Hexagonal grid plate Radius of hole, grid period, thickness, density, dynamic
viscosity, ratio of inner and outer radius for cylindrical
structure
SGYM Square grid plate Radius of hole, grid period, thickness, density, dynamic
viscosity, ratio of inner and outer radius for cylindrical
structure
The following figure illustrates perforated plates with hexagonal and square grids:
Figure 8.4: Specific Perforated Plate
The trim element is available only for hexahedral and prism elements.
In a hexahedral element, only a pair of opposite element faces can be defined as the ports. In a prism
element, only two triangular element faces are used for the ports.
A pair of ports of the 2 x 2 transfer admittance matrix must be defined in the same element. No limitation
exists on the trim element mesh size between two ports.
The 2 x 2 transfer admittance matrix can be symmetric or asymmetric. The program selects the correct
solver for the specific transfer admittance matrix.
For a multi-layer perforated structure, if the individual transfer admittance matrix of each layer is known,
convert the transfer admittance matrices to ABCD matrices. Multiply all ABCD matrices together. Convert
the final ABCD matrix into the 2 x 2 transfer admittance matrix for the input.
Specify a frequency-dependent trim element with the general transfer admittance matrix as follows:
TB,PERF,,,,YAMT
TBFIELD,FREQ,Value
TBDATA,1,Re(Y11),Im(Y11),Re(Y12),Im(Y12),Re(Y21),Im(Y21)
TBDATA,7,Re(Y22),Im(Y22),Re( ),Im( ),Re( ),Im( )
Two specified perforated structures with holes are present on the plate.
Specify a perforated structure with a square (TBOPT = SGYM) or hexagonal (TBOPT = HGYM) grid as
follows:
TB,PERF,,,,TBOPT
TBFIELD,FREQ,Value
TBDATA,rad,period,thick,rho,visc,ratio
The program calculates the transfer admittance matrix during the solution in terms of the input para-
meters.
Example 8.12: Defining Uncoupled Trim Elements

tb,perf,2,,,YMAT ! define transfer admittance matrix
tbdata,1,y11r,y11i,y12r,y12i,y21r,y21i ! complex 2 by 2 matrix
tbdata,7,y22r,y22i
tblist,perf,2 ! list admittance matrix
…
esel,s,mat,,2 ! element with YMAT
nsle,s ! nodes in YMAT elements
nsel,s,loc,z,z1 ! select nodes at z = z1
sf,all,port,1 ! port 1
…
nsel,s,loc,z,z3 ! select nodes at z = z3 and 0
nsel,a,loc,z,0
nsel,s,loc,z,0 ! nodes at z = 0
sf,all,shld,-vn, ! normal velocity
Example 8.13: Defining Coupled Trim Elements with FSI

…
tb,perf,2,,,YMAT ! define transfer admittance matrix
tbdata,1,y11r,y11i,y12r,y12i,y21r,y21i ! complex 2 by 2 matrix
tbdata,7,y22r,y22i
tblist,perf,2 ! list admittance matrix
…
esel,s,mat,,2 ! element with YMAT
nsle,s ! nodes in YMAT elements
sf,all,fsi ! fsi interface (port 1)
Example 8.14: Defining Perforated Plates

tb,perf,2,,,SGYM ! define square grid plate
tbdata,1,rad,period,thick,rho,visc,ratio ! input parameters
…
type,1 ! uncoupled fluid220
mat,2 ! perforated structure material
vmesh,all ! mesh volume
For more information, see Transfer Admittance Matrix in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
8.2.2. Impedance Sheet

The impedance sheet is a specification of the 2 x 2 transfer admittance matrix (p. 47) with continuous
pressure and discontinuous normal velocity across the impedance sheet (for example, Y11=0.5Y, Y22=-0.5Y,
Y12=Y21).
If your simulation has nearly continuous pressure and the full 2 x 2 transfer admittance matrix is unknown,
see Impedance Sheet Approximation in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference for a calculation of sheet
impedance.
No element shape limitation exists on the impedance sheet.
Apply the impedance sheet to the interior surface of the model.
Define an impedance sheet via one of the following commands:
BF,Node,IMPD,Rs,Xs
BFA,Area,IMPD,Rs,Xs
Example 8.15: Defining the Impedance Sheet

bf,all,impd,rs,xs ! complex impedance sheet
8.2.3. Equivalent Surface Source

The near and far fields beyond the FEA domain are of importance in acoustic analysis. Many design
parameters (for example, the sound pressure level, radiated sound power, directivity or target strength)
are based on the far-field values. The sound pressure field beyond the FEA domain can be calculated
using the surface equivalence principle: the sound pressure field exterior to a given surface can be exactly
represented by an equivalent source placed on that surface and allowed to radiate into the region ex-
ternal to that surface.
The equivalent source surface is available only for the near- and far-field parameters in a harmonic
analysis.
For problems requiring near- and far-field computations, first define an equivalent source surface in the
preprocessor. The surface must enclose the radiator or scatter, except for symmetry planes. Equivalent
sources are calculated and stored on the surface, enabling quick calculation of near- and far-field inform-
ation in the postprocessor.
For radiation and scattering problems, use an absorbing boundary condition (ABC).
For radiation problems, use perfectly matched layers (PML) or irregular perfectly matched layers (IPML),
absorbing elements (FLUID130), or the far-field radiation boundary (INF).
For scattering problems, use either PML/IPML or the far-field radiation boundary (INF).
The equivalent source surface may be between the radiator or scatter and the PML or IPML region.
Define an equivalent source surface using a surface boundary load with the flag MXWF. When applying
a MXWF surface load, be sure to define an equivalent source surface. If no equivalent source surfaces
are defined, the program flags the PML or IPML interface, absorbing element surface, or radiation
boundary as the equivalent source surface. Do not flag any surface on a symmetry plane (for example,
the Y-Z and X-Z planes in Figure 7.3: PML Enclosure (p. 30)).
8.2.3.1. Flagging an Equivalent Source Surface

Flag an equivalent source surface as follows:
1. Select the elements interior to the equivalent source surface (ESEL).
2. Select all the nodes of these elements (NSLE,S).
3. Reselect just the exterior nodes to work with only the surface nodes (NSEL,R,EXT).
4. Apply the surface flag (SF,ALL,MXWF).
Following is an alternate method for flagging an equivalent source surface:
1. Select the nodes interior to the equivalent source surface (NSEL).
2. Select the elements attached to the selected nodes, only if all of its nodes are in the selected nodal set
(ESLN,S,1,ALL).
3. Select the nodes on the MXWF surface (NSEL).
4. Apply the surface flag (SF,ALL,MXWF).
Do not apply the surface flag via the SFA command, which transfers the surface flag to adjacent elements
on either side of the equivalent source surface and can lead to erroneous results.
For more information, see Acoustic Output Quantities in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference
8.2.4. Surface Port

If the APORT command is used to launch or terminate a specified mode in the acoustic duct, you can
apply an exterior surface port on the exterior surface of the model and an interior surface port on the
interior surface of the model,
Define an exterior surface port via the following command:
SF,Nlist,PORT,PortNum
Define an interior surface port via the following command:
BF,Node,PORT,PortNum
To indicate the ports of a transfer admittance matrix, issue the SF,Nlist,PORT command only. If the
sound power is required after the solution, apply the port number to the inlet and outlet before the
solution.
To also define the impedance, issue the SF,Nlist,IMPD command.
Example 8.16: Defining a Surface Port

sf,all,port,1 ! port 1 (exterior port)
aport,1,rect,11,1.,0,0,d,d,1,0 ! source port with rectangular (0,0) mode
bf,all,port,2 ! port 2 (interior port)
aport,2,rect,11,0,0,0,d,d,1,0 ! output port with rectangular (0,0) mode
8.2.5. Mean Flow Effect

When the acoustic fluid is not at rest, the mean flow will affect the propagation of the acoustic wave
in the medium. To activate the solver taking the mean flow effect into account, the mean flow velocity
must be defined on the model nodes. If the mean flow velocity is known, issue the following command:
BF,Nlist,VMEN,v0x,v0y, v0z
Example 8.17: Defining Mean Flow

nsel,all ! Select all nodes
bf,all,vmen,1.0,0.0,0.0 ! Set mean flow v = (1,0,0)
Tabular input can be used to define the mean flow velocity. See the BF command for details.
For more information, see Solving the Convective Wave Equation for the Mean Flow Effect.
Chapter 9: Accounting for Acoustic Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI)
An acoustic structural interaction solution can be obtained with either a strongly coupled matrix or a
load transfer, as described in:
9.1. Matrix-Coupled FSI Solutions
9.2. One-Way Coupling FSI Solutions
9.1. Matrix-Coupled FSI Solutions

For a strong coupled solution, both the structure and the acoustic fluid interact with each other via
coupling boundary conditions. The displacement and pressure degrees of freedom are solved simultan-
eously in the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model.
To specify the strongly coupled FSI interface, issue the following command before the solution:
SF,Nlist,FSI
The program automatically detects and specifies the strongly coupled FSI interfaces between the
acoustics elements (FLUID30, FLUID220 and FLUID221) and the solid structural elements (SOLID185,
SOLID186, SOLID187 and SOLSH190), but not for the shell elements (SHELL181 and SHELL281).
The FSI interface must be defined on the nodes belonging to the coupled acoustic elements (KEYOPT(2)
= 0) rather than on the nodes of the structural elements.
Example 9.1: Defining the FSI Interface

…
esel,s,type,,1 ! select acoustic element
nsel,s,ext ! nodes on the exterior surface
sf,all,fsi ! FSI interface
The unsymmetric matrix equation is raised by the coupled FSI problem, which can be transformed into
the symmetrical matrix equation for performance improvement (KEYOPT(1) = 2 for harmonic analysis).
Meshing the entire acoustic domain with coupled elements (KEYOPT(2) = 0) leads to a larger Job-
name.EMAT file, although the displacement degree of freedom is not solved in uncoupled elements.
After defining the FSI interface or solid structural elements, issue the following command for file size
optimization:
ECPCHG
The ECPCHG command modifies the attributes of acoustic elements so that only acoustic elements
with an FSI interface become the coupled elements, and other acoustic elements are uncoupled, pure
acoustic elements. Up to 80% reduction in file size may occur for the Jobname.EMAT file.
If the contact element is used between acoustic elements and solid structural elements for a noncon-
forming mesh, the MPC contact surface (CONTA173 or CONTA174 with KEYOPT(2) = 2, KEYOPT(4) = 3,
KEYOPT(8) = 2, and KEYOPT(12) = 5) must be on the fluid side, and the target surface (TARGE170 with
KEYOPT(5) = 1) must be on the solid side.
Accounting for Acoustic Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI)
For more information, see Acoustic Fluid-Structural Interaction (FSI) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Ref-
erence.
9.2. One-Way Coupling FSI Solutions

For a one-way load transfer coupling, only the structural effect on the acoustic fluid is taken into account,
and the structural results are used as the excitation source during the sequential acoustic solution. For
details, see One-Way Coupling from Structure to Acoustics (p. 61).
Chapter 10: Solving an Acoustic Analysis
The solution phase of an acoustic analysis is initiated according to standard convention. Modal, harmonic,
and transient acoustic analyses are supported.
The following topics concerning the acoustic analysis solution are available:
10.1. Acoustic Analysis Solution Settings
10.2. Starting and Finishing the Solution
10.1. Acoustic Analysis Solution Settings

The following topics related to applying settings for an acoustic analysis solution are available:
10.1.1. Modal Analysis Settings
10.1.2. Harmonic Analysis Settings
10.1.3.Transient Analysis Settings
10.1.4. Spectrum Analysis
10.1.1. Modal Analysis Settings

To specify the modal analysis type, issue the ANTYPE,MODAL command.
The eigenvalue solution can include damping effects from the impedance boundary (SF,Nlist,IMPD)
or the absorbing element (FLUID130). The absorbing element is used for the termination of the infinite
acoustic domain.
The sloshing effect can be modeled (SF,Nlist,FREE and ACEL commands) in an acoustic modal ana-
lysis.
Excitation sources are ignored.
To specify solver options for the modal analysis, issue the MODOPTcommand. Following are the eigen
equations and solvers available in an acoustic modal analysis.
Table 10.1: Acoustic Eigen Equations and Solvers
Eigen Matrices Damping FSI MODOPT,Method KEYOPT(2)

Coupling Option
Unsymmetric NO YES UNSYM 0
Unsymmetric YES YES DAMP 0
Symmetric NO NO LANB,SUBSP 1
Symmetric YES NO DAMP 1
When damping is present, the eigensolutions are complex. For more information, see Complex Ei-
gensolutions.
Solving an Acoustic Analysis
Specifying a proper frequency range results in efficient and accurate eigenvalue calculations. Input a
lower-end frequency just below the anticipated frequency (FREQB on the MODOPT command), then
specify an upper-end frequency (FREQE). Specify NMODE to request the number of modes to extract.
To enable modal solution viewing, and to perform other postprocessing options, specify the number
of modes to expand (for example, calculate and write the element solution to the results file). Expanding
the modes is required if you intend to postprocess the element data. To specify the number of modes
to expand, issue the MXPAND command (valid only within the first load step).
The participation factor table lists participation factors, mode coefficients, and mass distribution percent-
ages for each mode extracted. See Participation Factor Table Output in the Structural Analysis Guide for
details. For FSI applications, the effective masses are calculated when all the following conditions apply:
• The model is well constrained (no rigid body mode).
• The unsymmetric eigensolver is used (MODOPT,UNSYM).
• Both left and right eigenvectors are requested (ModType = BOTH on MODOPT).
• The eigensolutions are real.
• If groups of repeated frequencies are present, all the solutions in each group are extracted.
They reflect both the mass of the structure and the mass of the fluid.
10.1.2. Harmonic Analysis Settings

To specify the harmonic analysis type, issue the following command:
ANTYPE,HARMIC,Status,LDSTEP,SUBSTEP,Action
Two harmonic analysis methods are available:

10.1.2.1. Full Harmonic Analysis
10.1.2.2. Mode-Superposition Harmonic Analysis
For more information, see Full Harmonic Analysis in the Structural Analysis Guide.
10.1.2.1. Full Harmonic Analysis

The following topics related to harmonic acoustic analysis settings are available:
10.1.2.1.1. Setting the Analysis Frequencies
10.1.2.1.2. Specifying the Analysis Solver
10.1.2.1.3. Selecting the Scattered Formulation for Harmonic Analysis
10.1.2.1.4. Defining Revolutions per Minute (RPM) During a Multi-Load Solution
10.1.2.1.1. Setting the Analysis Frequencies

Set the frequency using the following command:
HARFRQ,FREQB,FREQE,--,LogOpt
To perform a frequency sweep, specify the frequency range via the HARFRQ command. You can perform
a harmonic analysis over an nth-octave band or general-frequency band with a logarithm frequency
span (the HARFRQ command with LogOpt).
Acoustic Analysis Solution Settings
The octave band is defined based on and , where:
• f0 = central frequency of the octave band (f0 = 16, 31.5, 63, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000, 16000 Hz
for the specified 11 octave bands)
• n = 1 (octave band), 2 (1/2 octave band), 3 (1/3 octave band), 6 (1/6 octave band), 12 (1/12 octave band),
and 24 (1/24 octave band)
For more information, see Logarithm Frequency Spacing in a Harmonic Analysis in the Mechanical APDL
Theory Reference.
Example 10.1: Harmonic Analysis Over a 1/3 Octave Band
The central frequency is 1000 Hz and 10 frequencies are specified:

harfrq,1000,,,OB3
nsubst,10
You cannot restart a harmonic analysis. If you want to apply a different set of harmonic loads, you must
perform a new analysis each time.
Specify harmonic analysis options using the following command:
HROPT,Method,MAXMODE,MINMODE,MCout,Damp
10.1.2.1.2. Specifying the Analysis Solver

The following solvers are available (EQSLV) for a full harmonic analysis:
• Sparse direct (SPARSE) (default)
• Quasi-Minimal Residual (QMR)
• Incomplete Cholesky Conjugate Gradient (ICCG)
For a relatively small problem (500,000 degrees of freedom [DOFs] or less), the default sparse solver is
recommended. For the number of DOFs per element, see Table 2.1: Acoustic Element Properties (p. 5).
For larger problems (1 million or more DOFs), consider using the sparse direct solver, and ensure that
the solution is running in-core for optimal performance. (For more information, see Direct (Sparse)
Solver Memory Usage in the Performance Guide.) If the model is too large to run in the sparse direct
solver in-core mode with the available hardware RAM, consider trying the QMR (for symmetric matrices)
or ICCG (for unsymmetric matrices) iterative solvers. (If the iterative solutions diverge, however, you
must use the sparse direct solver.)
Using the symmetric formulation in a harmonic analysis reduces computational requirements.
Select the symmetric matrix equation for the coupled problem in the preprocessor (/PREP7) using either
the ET or KEYOPT command.
Example 10.2: Defining the Symmetric Matrix Equation for a Coupled Problem
et,1,220,2
et,2,220,2,1
For more information, see Coupled Acoustic Fluid-Structural System with Symmetric Matrix Equation
for Full Harmonic Analysis in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
10.1.2.1.3. Selecting the Scattered Formulation for Harmonic Analysis

Both the total and scattered pressure formulation are available for analytic incident wave sources.
Activate the pure scattered formulation via the ASOL command.
To control the sound pressure field output for an acoustic scattering analysis, issue the ASCRES,Opt
command. You can output either the total sound pressure (Opt = TOTAL) or the scattered pressure
(Opt = SCAT).
To calculate the far-field parameter, define the equivalent source surface that encloses the scatter
(SF,,MXWF).
Example 10.3: Specifying the Scattered Pressure Formulation

…
awave,1,dipole,pres,ext,p0,ang,-xs,-ys,-zs ! incident wave outside of model
asol,scat,on ! activate scattered formulation
ascres,total ! output total pressure
For more information, see Pure Scattered Pressure Formulation in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
10.1.2.1.4. Defining Revolutions per Minute (RPM) During a Multi-Load Solution

An RPM value can be defined via the MRPM command at each load step during a multi-load solution.
These RMP values are used during post-processing.
Example 10.4: Multi-Load Solution with Different RPMs

/solu
…
mrpm,rpm_1 ! first rpm
harfrq,FreqB_1,FreQE_1 ! first frequency range
nsub,nsub_1 ! number of substeps
solve ! first solution
…
mrpm,rpm_2 ! second rpm
harfrq,FreqB_2,FreQE_2 ! second frequency range
nsub,nsub_1 ! number of substeps
solve ! second solution
…
finish
10.1.2.2. Mode-Superposition Harmonic Analysis

A complete description of the mode-superposition analysis procedure is available in Mode-Superposition
Harmonic Analysis in the Structural Analysis Guide.
The following conditions apply specifically to acoustic analysis:
• When the symmetric formulation is used, global system matrices are badly conditioned and the eigensolver
may not succeed in extracting all eigensolutions accurately. In this case, the unsymmetric (default) formulation
along with the unsymmetric eigensolver (MODOPT,UNSYM with ModType = BOTH) is recommended. The
mode-superposition method is well adapted for FSI analysis with structural loads and/or the following fluid
loads: F,,FLOW and SF,,FREE (sloshing).
Acoustic Analysis Solution Settings
• The QR damped eigensolver method does not apply to FSI analysis because unsymmetrical coupling is ignored
with calculating the undamped modes used to obtain the damped modes.
• The mode-superposition method is not supported if damping is present. In particular, if acoustic damped
boundary conditions are specified (SF with Lab = IMPD, ATTN, INF, or BLI) or if fluid dynamics viscosity
(MP,VISC), perforated material (TB with Lab = PERF or AFDM), PML or IPML (p. 29) absorbing condition, or
the absorbing boundary elements (FLUID129 or FLUID130) are defined.
• Only modal damping (MDAMP or DMPRAT) is supported.
Note
Unlike in a FULL harmonic analysis where the constant structural damping (DMPRAT) is
only applied to structural degrees of freedom, in a mode-superposition harmonic analysis
it is applied to the whole reduced matrix (both structural and acoustic degrees of freedom).
To be consistent, you should run a damped modal analysis with constant structural
damping beforehand to extract the modal damping ratios, which can then be used in the
mode-superposition harmonic analysis using the MDAMP command.
• The residual response (RESVEC with KeyResp = ON) is supported when requesting real solutions (Cpxmod
= REAL) and both left and right eigenvectors (ModType = BOTH).
• The residual vector ( RESVEC with KeyVect = ON) and the enforced motion (MODCONT with EnforcedKey
= ON) methods are not supported by the unsymmetric eigensolver. As a consequence of the second limitation,
non-zero pressure and velocity (D with Lab = PRES, SF with Lab = SHLD, AWAVE, and BF with Lab = VELO)
are ignored.
• Use a sufficient number of modes to obtain an accurate pressure solution. The upper frequency times two
for the modal base may be insufficient. In general, as the number of modes increases, the convergence of
the pressure solution is slower than that of the displacement solution, especially far from the resonance
frequencies. Using the residual response method may help the convergence.
For an example, see VM282 in the Mechanical APDL Verification Manual.
10.1.3. Transient Analysis Settings

To specify the transient analysis type, issue the ANTYPE,TRANS command.
To obtain an acceptable solution in an acoustic transient analysis, the time increment Δt is determined
by Δt =1/(2fmax). Estimate the maximum operating frequency to determine the mesh size in the model.
(See Specifying Acoustic Analysis Region Attributes and Meshing (p. 23).)
Consider using the sparse direct equation solver (EQSLV) with automatic time stepping disabled. For
linear analyses, matrix factorization need only be performed once (for purely acoustic) or twice (for
coupled vibro-acoustic). The remaining time steps do not require matrix factorization, resulting in very
efficient solutions.
The spatial distribution of the pressure field must also be taken into account for meshing. The mesh
should be fine enough to resolve the spatial variation of the pressure.
For example, if a sound dipole with a 1 m separation radiates sound in air at 20 Hz, setting the mesh
size as 1.7 m for low-order elements (10 elements/per wavelength) is unreasonable. If a 10-degree in-
crement is used to discretize the circumference around the dipole, the minimum mesh should be 0.087
m. Both the maximum operating frequency and the pressure spatial variation must be taken into account.
An acoustic transient analysis performs a standard transient linear solution.
It is necessary to use a uniform time step if a ramped gravity acceleration is applied in a transient ana-
lysis that includes the acoustic free surface (sloshing effect).
Example 10.5: Defining an Acoustic Transient Solution

num_timestep = 8
frq_step = 2000
dim_waveleng = 1500/frq_step
time_end = dim_distance/1500*3
time_step = 1/frq_step/num_timestep
num_steps = time_end/time_step
num_elements = 8
dim_esize = dim_waveleng/num_elements
*dim,load_time,table,4,,,time
load_time(1,0)=0,1/frq_step,2/frq_step,time_end
load_time(1,1)=0,1,0,0
…
et,1,220,,1 ! second-order fluid220
et,2,130,2 ! second-order fluid130
…
/solu
antype,trans
trnopt,full
autots,off
time,time_end
deltim,time_step
outres,nsol,all
! time varying load
f,node(0,0,0),flow,%load_time%
solve
finish
10.1.4. Spectrum Analysis

A complete description of the spectrum analysis procedures (single point response spectrum, multiple-
point response spectrum, and random vibration) is available in Spectrum Analysis in the Structural
Analysis Guide.
The conditions listed under Mode-Superposition Harmonic Analysis (p. 58) apply for spectrum analysis
except that fluid loads are not supported. In PSD analysis, base excitation, force excitation, and solid
element pressure excitation are supported, but pressure spectrum (D,,PRES) is not.
The solution from the modal analysis must be real to perform a subsequent spectrum analysis.
DDAM analysis, as well as the missing mass calculation (MMASS), is not supported.
For an example of a single-point response spectrum (SPRS) analysis, see Example: Spectrum Analysis of
a Cylindrical Tank Filled with Water (p. 102).
10.2. Starting and Finishing the Solution

To enter the SOLUTION processor, issue the /SOLU command.
To initiate a single solution, issue the SOLVE command.
To exit the SOLUTION processor, issue the FINISH command.
Chapter 11: Using Advanced Solution Techniques in an Acoustic
Analysis
The following advanced solution techniques are available for use in an acoustic analysis:
11.1. One-Way Coupling from Single Physics to Acoustics
11.2. Linear Perturbation in an Acoustic Application
11.3. Solving the Convective Wave Equation for the Mean Flow Effect
11.1. One-Way Coupling from Single Physics to Acoustics

One-way coupling from structure to acoustics is more computationally efficient, while the acoustic effect
on the structure can be neglected. The structural results can be used as the acoustic excitation source
using the one-way coupling process.
A coupling coefficient is defined as:
where:
ρ0 = density of fluid
c0 = sound speed in the fluid
ρs = density of solid
T = effective thickness of the solid
ω = angular frequency
If αc > 1, solve as a strong coupled acoustic-structural interaction problem. If αc < 1, a one-way coupling
solution is more computationally efficient.
The following topics related to one-way coupling are available:

11.1.1. One-Way Coupling from Structure to Acoustics
11.1.2. One-Way Coupling from ANSYS Fluent to Mechanical APDL Acoustics for Cabin Noise
11.1.1. One-Way Coupling from Structure to Acoustics

Specify a one-way structure-to-acoustics coupling via the ASIFILE command.
Perform a one-way coupling analysis using either of the following two methods:
For a conforming or nonconforming mesh on a one-way structure-to-acoustics

coupling interface (Mechanical APDL only):
1. Activate the structural model.
2. Flag a one-way structure-to-acoustics coupling interface in the structural model via the
SF,Nlist,FSIN,VALUE command (not SF,Nlist,FSI).
Using Advanced Solution Techniques in an Acoustic Analysis
3. Prior to the solution, issue the ASIFILE,WRITE command so that structural results on the
one-way structure-to-acoustics coupling interface are written to a file with extension .asi
during the structural solution.
4. Solve the structural model without the acoustic elements.
5. Switch to the acoustic model.
6. Flag a one-way structure-to-acoustics coupling interface in the acoustic model via the
SF,Nlist,FSIN,VALUE command (not SF,Nlist,FSI).
7. Prior to the solution, issue the ASIFILE,READ command (with Oper = NOMAP [conforming
mesh] or Oper = MAP nonconforming mesh]) so that the structural results on the one-way
structure-to-acoustics coupling interface are read into the model during the acoustic solu-
tion.
8. Solve the acoustic model without the structural elements over the specified frequency
range.
Example 11.1: One-Way Structure-to-Acoustics Coupling Process with a Nonconforming Mesh

et,1,186,, ! structural element
…
esel,s,type,,1 ! select structural element
nsel,s,loc,x,0 ! nodes on interface in structural element
sf,all,fsin,1 ! flag one-way coupling interface
alls
…
esel,u,type,,2 ! unselect acoustic element
asifile,write ! write structural results to .asi file
fini
/solu
antype,harm ! harmonic solution
hropt,auto ! use program-selected solver
kbc,1
harfrq,58,68 ! frequency range
nsub,3 ! steps over frequency range
solve ! solve structural problem
finish
/prep7
alls ! select everything
esel,u,type,,1 ! unselect structural elements
nsle,s ! select nodes attached to acoustic elements
nsel,s,loc,x,0 ! nodes on interface in acoustic element
sf,all,fsin,1 ! flag one-way coupling interface
asifile,read,,,map ! read structural results into model during solution
finish
/solu
hropt,auto ! choose solver by program
kbc,1
harfrq,58,68 ! frequency range
nsub,3 ! steps over frequency range (invalid)
solve ! solve acoustic problem
finish
For a nonconforming mesh on a one-way structure-to-acoustics coupling interface

in Workbench, if no Jobname.asi file exists:
1. Solve the structural model without the acoustic elements.
One-Way Coupling from Single Physics to Acoustics
2. Map the structural results on the one-way coupling interface of the structural model to the
acoustic model via Workbench External Data. For more information, see Introduction to
the External Connection Add-In in the Workbench External Connection Add-In.
3. Solve the acoustic model without the structural elements at the specified frequency.
A conforming mesh offers a more efficient and accurate solution, as there is no mapping process and
the structural nodal results are directly passed to the nodes of the acoustic model. However, the com-
plicated structural model can be solved with a nonconforming mesh for one-way structure-to-acoustics
coupling.
The acoustic solver chooses the frequencies that are defined in the upstream structural analysis between
the beginning and ending frequencies (HARFRQ) defined in the acoustic solution. The number of substeps
is determined by the number of frequencies in the structural solution over the frequency range. The
number of substeps defined via the NSUBST command is overwritten in the acoustic solution.
11.1.2. One-Way Coupling from ANSYS Fluent to Mechanical APDL Acoustics

for Cabin Noise
Use one-way coupling from ANSYS Fluent to Mechanical APDL to predict cabin noise generated by flow
interacting with the structure (while ignoring the structural effect on the flow). The ANSYS Fluent tran-
sient solution is postprocessed into the one-side peak complex pressure in the frequency domain using
the fast Fourier transformation (FFT); the solution is stored in a .cgns format binary file. The flow
pressure is applied to the structural surface for vibro-acoustics analysis.
Specify a one-way ANSYS Fluent to Mechanical APDL coupling via the FLUREAD command. (The com-
mand can be used only for the model with the acoustic elements.)
Perform a one-way Fluent-to-MAPDL coupling analysis for cabin noise as follows:
1. Perform the transient flow analysis using ANSYS Fluent.
2. Postprocess the transient flow solution using FFT on selected surfaces and store the complex pressure
in a file.
3. Set up the Mechanical APDL acoustic analysis model with the acoustic domain enclosed, as within a
cabin.
4. Define the surface element SURF154 on the top of structural solid or shell element to apply complex
pressure to the structure model.
5. Define the one-way ANSYS Fluent to Mechanical APDL coupling interface via the SF,Nlist,FSIN,VALUE
command (not SF,Nlist,FSI) on the SURF154 surface element.
6. Flag the acoustic-structural interaction interface (FSI) in the acoustic model via the SF,Nlist,FSI
command (not SF,Nlist,FSIN,VALUE ) for vibro-acoustics.
7. Prior to the acoustic solution, issue the FLUREAD command with mapping options to launch one-way
ANSYS Fluent to Mechanical APDL coupling during the acoustic solution.
8. Define the solving frequency range (HARFRQ).
The solver chooses the FFT frequencies between the beginning and ending frequencies. The
number of substeps is determined by the number of FFT frequencies over the frequency range.
The number of substeps defined via the NSUBST command is overwritten.
9. Solve the acoustic model over specified frequency range.
10. Issue the PRAS or PLAS command in POST1 to obtain the sound pressure levels (SPL) of the specified
octave band.
One-way ANSYS Fluent to Mechanical APDL coupling excitation can be applied to multiple frequencies.
The one-side FFT peak complex pressure values must be used. Because the flow mesh is much finer
than the structural mesh, specify a structural mesh density on the one-way coupling interface that allows
the complex pressure variation of flow on the surface after mapping to be retrieved.
Example 11.2: One-Way ANSYS Fluent to Mechanical APDL Coupling

et,2,281 ! structural shell element
mp,dens,1,1.225 ! air density
mp,sonc,1,340 ! sound speed in the air
mp,dens,2,7800 ! structural density
mp,ex ,2,2.1e11 ! structural Elastic moduli
mp,nuxy,2,.28 ! structural Minor Poisson's ratios
…
type,1
mat,1
vmesh,all ! mesh acoustic domain
sectype,2,shell ! define shell element property

secdata,0.005,2
nsel,s,loc,z,0 ! select nodes the surface
type,2
mat,2
secn,2
alls
…
esel,s,type,,2 ! generate surface element for pressure
type,3
mat,2
esurf
alls
esel,s,type,,3
nsle,s
sf,all,fsin,1 ! define one-way coupling interface
alls
esel,s,ename,,220
nsle,s
nsel,s,loc,z,0
sf,all,fsi ! define couple vibro-acoustic FSI interface
alls
fluread,,,cgns,,,,prboth ! read one-way coupling cgns format file
finish
/solu
antype,harmic
harfrq,500,,,OB3 ! define 1/3 octave band at f0=500 Hz
solve
finish
/post1
n1=node(0,0,1) ! define the observation point
nsel,s,,,n1 ! select the observation point
pras,bspl ! list SPL of the 1/3 octave band
pras,bspa ! list A-weighted SPL of the 1/3 octave band
finish
Linear Perturbation in an Acoustic Application
11.2. Linear Perturbation in an Acoustic Application

For an acoustic-structural coupled solution (SF,Nlist,FSI), support is available for a nonlinear static
structural solution using a morphed mesh (MORPH) under the linear perturbation scheme (ANTYPE
and PERTURB).
Following is the general process for solving an acoustic-structural interaction with nonlinear static
structural prestress:
Table 11.1: Acoustic Linear Perturbation Analysis Process
Step Task Comments

1 Build the model The model contains either FSI interface or displacement
constraints.
2 Solve a nonlinear static structural Perform a standard nonlinear static structural solution
problem with the morphing operation.
3 Start a linear perturbation process Restart the solution with the linear perturbation process.
4 Solve a modal or harmonic problem Perform a modal or harmonic acoustic analysis.
The nonlinear static structural analysis can lead to deformation in the structure. The mesh in the
acoustic fluid is morphed based on the structural displacement solution. Activate mesh morphing during
the nonlinear static structural analysis (MORPH). Setting StrOpt = YES on the MORPH command allows
morphing in the model with structural elements.
Because significant morphing occurs near the structural deformation only, it is not necessary to morph
all acoustic elements for the sake of efficiency. Deactivate the morphing process in the specified
acoustic elements via KEYOPT(5) = 1.
For a large structural deformation, the morphing procedure may fail during the nonlinear static solution
with ramped loads. Activating the bisection algorithm (AUTOTS,ON) may improve the quality of the
morphed mesh. If the structural deformation can be ignored in the nonlinear static solution and the
MORPH command is not activated, setting PRELP = YES on the ANTYPE command keeps the acoustic
mesh unchanged for the sake of efficiency.
Contact elements cannot be used on the structure-acoustics FSI interfaces for the acoustic linear per-
turbation process. Except for the morphed mesh, the acoustic elements have no other association with
the nonlinear static analysis.
Specify acoustic linear perturbation via one of the following commands:
• ANTYPE,STATIC,RESTART,,,PERTURB
• PERTURB
• SOLVE,ELFORM
Example 11.3: Acoustic Linear Perturbation Process

et,2,186,, ! structural element
…
esel,s,type,,1 ! select acoustic elements
nsle,s ! nodes on acoustic elements
nsel,s,loc,x,0 ! nodes on fsi interface
sf,all,fsi ! flag fsi interface
…
nsel,s,loc,x,0 ! select nodes on structural elements
f,all,fx,100 ! apply force
alls
fini
/solu
nlgeom,on ! large deformation on
autots,off ! auto step off
nsubst,1 ! one sub-step
antype,static ! static solution
morph,on,,,,,,,,,on ! morphing with structural elements
solve
finish
/solu
antype,static,restart,,,perturb ! restart for linear perturbation
perturb,modal,,,allkeep ! modal solution for linear perturbation
solve,elform ! form new element matrices
modopt,unsym,4,1 ! options with unsymmetric modal solver

mxpand,4 ! expand modes after modal solution
solve ! solve coupled modal problem
finish
For more information, see Linear Perturbation Analysis in the Structural Analysis Guide.
11.3. Solving the Convective Wave Equation for the Mean Flow Effect
When the mean flow effect is taken into account in an acoustics analysis, the convective wave equation
becomes the governing equation instead of the Helmholtz wave equation. The velocity potential Φ is
used for the degree-of-freedom rather than the pressure, as in the case of mean flow at rest. The con-
vective wave equation only supports harmonic analysis.
The mean flow velocity can be obtained from the velocity potential by solving Laplace’s equation with
a defined mean flow velocity on the exterior surface in a static analysis. The program assigns the reference
velocity potential at a node for the solution with the pure Neumann boundary condition. The result is
stored in the Jobname.RMF file for preprocessing and postprocessing.
To view nodal velocity potential and element mean flow velocity, issue the following commands (the
label PRES represents the velocity potential):
PRNSOL,PRES or PLNSOL,PRES
PRESOL,PG or PLESOL,PG
To apply the solved mean flow velocity to the acoustic model for a downstream harmonic analysis, issue
the following command for load transfer before solving:
LDREAD,VMEN,1,1,,,Jobname,RMF
The following sophisticated material models may be included in the model with mean flow:
• Non-uniform ideal gas material
• Equivalent fluid model of perforated media
The mean flow velocity in the equivalent fluid model of perforated media is assumed to be zero.
The following acoustic boundary conditions can be used with the mean flow effect:
• Velocity potential (use label PRES to define)
Solving the Convective Wave Equation for the Mean Flow Effect
• Rigid wall
• Impedance boundary condition
• Artificially matched layers
The following acoustic excitation sources can be used with the mean flow effect:
• Pressure
• Outward normal velocity
• Arbitrary nodal velocity
• Mass resources
The trim element with transfer admittance matrix may be used in a model with the mean flow effect.
The mean flow inside the trim element is set to be at rest.
Acoustic fluid-structure interaction (FSI) can be modeled taking the mean flow effect into account.
The far-field calculation in the postprocessor does not support the mean flow effect.
Example 11.4: Acoustic Analysis with Mean Flow Effect

et,1,220,,1,,1 ! uncoupled acoustic PML element
…
c0=345
rho=1.21
mach=0.3
vx=mach*c0
L=1
vn=1
…
nsel,s,loc,x,0 ! select nodes on inlet
nsel,a,loc,x,L ! select nodes on outlet
bf,all,vmen,vx,0,0 ! define mean flow velocity on selected nodes
…
alls
fini
/solu
antype,static ! static solution
solve
finish
/prep7
ldread,vmen,1,1,file,rmf ! apply mean flow velocity as body loads
…
sf,all,impd,z0,z0 ! define impedance on surface
…
sf,all,shld,vn ! define normal velocity on surface
alls
finish
/solu
harfrq,100
nsub,1
solve
finish
If the acoustic pressure may be non-uniform on the cross section of the inlet and outlet, it is more reliable
to use PML or IPML (p. 29) truncation rather than the impedance or radiation boundary condition for
the duct with mean flow.
For more information, see Finite Element Formulation of the Convective Wave Equation in the Mechan-
ical APDL Theory Reference.
Chapter 12: Postprocessing Acoustic Analysis Results
The following topics are available concerning postprocessing acoustic analysis results:
12.1. Helpful Postprocessing Commands
12.2. Postprocessing a Harmonic Acoustic Analysis
12.3. Postprocessing a Modal Acoustic Analysis
12.4. Postprocessing a Transient Acoustic Analysis
12.1. Helpful Postprocessing Commands

The following commands are helpful in postprocessing acoustic analysis results:
Table 12.1: Postprocessing Commands
Task Command
Select the real solution. SET,1,1,,0
Select the imaginary solution. SET,1,1,,1
Select the amplitude. SET,1,1,,AMPL
Print pressure, SPL, or dBA at corner nodes. [1][2] PRNSOL,PRES (or SPL or SPLA)
Print velocity at corner nodes. [1][2] PRVECT,PG
Create element table item for the gradient of centroid pressure ETABLE,Lab,PG,X
field [3], X component. Issue similar commands for Y and Z
components.
Print the specified element table items. PRETAB
1. Average of selected elements adjacent to nodes
2. RMS value: measurable values are the sum of real and imaginary parts.
3. Instantaneous value (real/imaginary, at ωt = 0 and ωt = -90) in the case of a harmonic ana-

lysis.
For more information about notation, see the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
To view less frequently used items, issue the ETABLE command.
Most output items can be viewed (plotted) graphically. To do so, substitute the appropriate plot command
(PL xxxxx) for the corresponding print command (PR xxxxxx), as shown in this table:
Table 12.2: Plotting Commands
For this print command... Substitute this plot command:

PRNSOL PLNSOL
PRVECT PLVECT
PRESOL PLESOL
Postprocessing Acoustic Analysis Results
PRETAB PLETAB
Element table items can also be plotted. For more information, see Creating an Element Table in the
Basic Analysis Guide.
The ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL) also contains commands that may be useful in postpro-
cessing and results processing. For more information about the APDL, see Understanding User Program-
mable Features (UPFs).
12.2. Postprocessing a Harmonic Acoustic Analysis

The following topics for postprocessing a harmonic acoustic analysis are available:
12.2.1. Reviewing Analysis Results
12.2.2. Calculating Near Fields, Far Fields, and Far-Field Parameters
12.2.3. Calculating Acoustic Propagation Parameters
12.2.4. Calculating Acoustic Surface Quantities
12.2.5. Calculating Acoustic Volumetric Quantities
For additional information, see Acoustic Output Quantities in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
12.2.1. Reviewing Analysis Results

Results from an acoustic analysis are written to the results file Jobname.rst. Results include the fol-
lowing:
Primary data: Nodal DOFs (UX, UY, UZ, PRES)
Derived data:
• Nodal displacements and pressures included in the overall nodal solution
• Nodal velocity
• Nodal sound pressure level (SPL) and A-weighted sound pressure level (dBA)
• Element velocity or the gradient of pressure (PGX, PGY, PGZ, PGSUM)
• Element average pressure amplitude
• Square of the L2 norm of pressure over element volume
• Element effective complex mass density (if possible)
• Element effective complex sound speed (if possible)
• Element input power (if required)
• Element output power (if required)
• Acoustic potential energy in element (MENE)
• Acoustic kinetic energy in element (KENE)
Many harmonic acoustic analysis results vary harmonically at the operating frequency (or frequencies)
for which the measurable quantities can be calculated as the real solution times cosine(ωt) minus the
Postprocessing a Harmonic Acoustic Analysis
imaginary solution times sine(ωt), where ω is the angular frequency. (See Harmonic Analysis Using
Complex Formalism in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.) In harmonic analysis, the time-average
root mean square quantities are calculated over one period of sinusoidal function.
For more information, see Elements for Acoustic Analysis in the Element Reference.
Review analysis results via the POST1 general postprocessor (/POST1). Typically, the results are out-of-
phase with the input loads. The solution is calculated and stored in terms of real and imaginary com-
ponents.
Use POST1 to review results over the entire model at specific frequencies. For viewing results over a
range of frequencies, use the POST26 time-history postprocessor (/POST26).
The SPL and the dBA of the octave band can be calculated (PRAS or PLAS) on the selected nodes. The
calculated values can be monitored and stored by issuing the following command:
*GET,Par,ACUS,0,Item1
To obtain the SPL and dBA of the octave band via the *GET command, issue the PRAS or PLAS command
at specified positions prior to issuing the *GET command. For multiple load and sub-steps cases, the
results are obtained at the last position and band.
For more information, see Acoustic Output Quantities in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
For a complete description of all postprocessing functions, see An Overview of Postprocessing in the
Basic Analysis Guide.
The following topics discuss some typical POST1 operations for calculating the near- and far-fields and
parameters for acoustic devices.
12.2.2. Calculating Near Fields, Far Fields, and Far-Field Parameters

Postprocessing commands are available for calculating the near or far sound pressure field beyond the
FEA computational domain.
The commands PRNEAR, PLNEAR, PRFAR, and PLFAR use the surface equivalence principle to determine
the sound pressure field. The surface equivalence principle states that equivalent sources can exactly
represent the pressure field exterior to the surface. Use the PRFAR or PLFAR command to print or plot
the far-field parameters based on the defined load steps, substeps, or frequency range. For more inform-
ation, see Acoustic Output Quantities in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
Before issuing the postprocessing commands:
1. Flag an equivalent source surface (Lab = MXWF on the SF command) in the preprocessor before solution.
For more information, see Equivalent Surface Source (p. 51).
2. If a symmetry plane exists in the modeled region, indicate its presence (HFSYM). For more information,
see Accounting for Model Symmetry (p. 72).
3. If the radiation space when calculating radiation parameters is not the entire spherical domain, define the
spatial angles (HFANG).
The following additional topics are available for calculating near fields, far fields, and far-field parameters:
12.2.2.1. Accounting for Model Symmetry
12.2.2.2. Radiation Solid Angle
12.2.2.3. Near Sound Pressure Field

12.2.2.4. Far Sound Pressure Field and Far-Field Parameters
12.2.2.5. Far-Field Microphone
12.2.2.6. Radiated Far-Field of a Vibrating Panel
12.2.2.1. Accounting for Model Symmetry

You must account for symmetry planes in the modeled domain for postprocessing near or far sound
pressure field beyond the computational domain.
The HFSYM command accounts for the sound-soft or sound-hard symmetry planes that coincide with
the X-Y, Y-Z or Z-X planes of the global or local Cartesian coordinate system. It applies the image principle
on the symmetric part of the computational domain to represent the radiation effect of the partial
equivalent source beyond the modeled domain so that the radiation from the entire structure is modeled.
If sound-soft or sound-hard symmetry planes exist, issue the HFSYM command before issuing a post-
processing command (PRNEAR, PLNEAR, PRFAR, or PLFAR). Although a sound-hard symmetry plane
is a natural boundary condition in a finite element analysis, it must be defined via the HFSYM command.
Example 12.1: Defining the Symmetric Planes for a Far-Field Calculation

/post1
hfsym,,shb,shb,ssb ! y-z, x-z plane as sound hard and x-y as sound soft
plfar,pres,sump,, ! plot far-field pressure in polar coordinate
12.2.2.2. Radiation Solid Angle

When calculating radiation parameters, the radiation space can be specified.
The HFANG command defines the radiation space of a sound radiator in terms of the type of radiator.
For example, the solid angle of a sound dipole is determined by φ [0,360°] and θ [0,180°], and the solid
angle of a piston above an infinite baffle is associated with φ [0,360°] and θ [0,90°].
If the sound pressure wave is not radiated into the entire space, issue the HFANG command before is-
suing a postprocessing command (PRNEAR, PLNEAR, PRFAR, or PLFAR).
12.2.2.3. Near Sound Pressure Field

The maximum sound pressure can be printed or plotted beyond the FEA computational domain.
To print the near sound pressure field, issue the PRNEAR command.
To plot the sound pressure along a path:
1. Define a path (PATH and PPATH).
2. Issue either the PRNEAR or PLNEAR command to map the sound pressure onto the path.
3. Issue the PLPAGM or PLPATH command.
12.2.2.4. Far Sound Pressure Field and Far-Field Parameters

The far sound pressure field and far-field parameters (for example, radiation patterns, directivity, radiated
power, radiation efficiency, and target strength) are essential for sound radiation or sound scattering
analysis.
The far sound pressure field and far-field parameters can be printed (PRFAR) or plotted (PLFAR) beyond
the FEA computational domain.
To print or plot the 2-D far-field parameters in a 3-D computational model, extrude the 2-D plane
model for a distance Δz in the Z-direction to generate a 3-D numerical model. For an axisymmetric
model that is equivalent to the y-rotated extrusion 3-D model, the far field parameters are calculated
on the plane defined in global spherical coordinates (PLFAR or PRFAR with Lab = PROT). The THETA
angles default to 90 degrees for the 2-D extrusion model, so you would typically input only the PHI1
and PHI2 angles in order to report values on the X-Y plane. The HFSYM,,,SHB,, command may be used
for symmetry on the y = 0 plane.
A maximum of ten far-field curves can be plotted on a chart (PLFAR) for multiple angles or frequencies.
The waterfall diagram for far-field parameters is available with both frequency and angle as variables.
The waterfall diagram for radiated sound power level can be generated with variables of frequency and
revolutions per minute (RPM), if RPM is defined (see the MRPM command).
12.2.2.5. Far-Field Microphone

The far field and far-field parameters at a given frequency can be monitored and stored. To do so, issue
this command:
*GET,par,0,ACUS,Item1
To obtain a far field or a far-field parameter with the parameter par via the *GET command, issue the
PRFAR or PLFAR command at a specified position prior to issuing the *GET command.
Example 12.2: Storing a Far-Field Parameter at a Given Frequency

/post1
hfsym,1,ssb,shb,ssb ! set symmetric planes
set,1,1
plfar,pres,splp,0,0,1,0,360,5,10,2.e-5 ! spl in polar plot
plfar,pres,splc,0,0,1,0,0,1,10 ! spatial point
*get,par,0,acus,spl ! store spl
fini
The far-field SPL or a-weighted SPL over octave bands can be obtained by defining the LogOpt argument
on the PRFAR or PLFAR command.
12.2.2.6. Radiated Far-Field of a Vibrating Panel

Assuming that the sound waves do not affect the structural motion, the vibration of a flat or slightly
curved panel can be solved very efficiently without involving any acoustic mesh. The far field and far-
field parameters can be directly calculated from structural results based on the Rayleigh integral in
which the modified Green's function is used.
The vibrating surface on the structural model must be identified by the equivalent source surface flag
(SF,,MXWF) before the far-field calculation. Use the PRFAR or PLFAR command with Lab = PLAT to
perform the far-field calculation for a vibrating panel. The HFSYM command should be issued if planar
symmetry is used in the model. Use the PRAS or PLAS command to calculate and print or plot the
transmission loss and radiated power of a panel with an incident diffuse sound field.
The HFANG command is invalid for the vibrating panel radiation, since the hemispherical radiation
space is assumed.
12.2.3. Calculating Acoustic Propagation Parameters

After solving an acoustic problem, it may be desirable to calculate some parameters for the underlying
acoustic system. The following parameters can be calculated:
• Input power
• Output power
• Return loss
• Attenuation coefficient
• Transmission loss
Perform the calculation in the POST1 general postprocessor (/POST1) by first reading in the solution
for a given frequency, and then performing postprocessing tasks based on the corresponding definition
of the parameter. Use the PRAS or PLAS command to print or plot the propagation parameters based
on the defined load steps, substeps, or frequency range.
To calculate the acoustic propagation parameters for two ports of a network, issue the PRAS or PLAS
command after defining the port numbers (SF) in the preprocessor.
If VAL2 (output port) is defined via PRAS or PLAS, VAL1 is the excitation port and should be defined.
The impedance boundaries are applied to the excitation port surfaces to absorb the outgoing pressure
waves without reflection.
To plot the power data, issue the PLAS command.
Example 12.3: Calculating Acoustic Propagation Parameters

nsel,s,loc,z,0 ! select nodes on inlet
sf,all,port,3 ! define port 3 on inlet
sf,all,impd,z01 ! define impedance on inlet
sf,all,shld,-vn ! define normal velocity on inlet
…
nsel,s,loc,l ! select nodes on outlet
sf,all,port,1 ! define port 1 on outlet
sf,all,impd,z02 ! define impedance on outlet
…
/solu
antype,harm
harfrq,0,300
nsub,3
solve
fini
/post1
plas,tl,1,all,,,,,3,1
fini
12.2.4. Calculating Acoustic Surface Quantities

After solving an acoustic problem, the following quantities can be calculated on the selected surface:
• Specific acoustic impedance
• Acoustic impedance
• Mechanical impedance
• Pressure
• Force
• Equivalent radiated power (ERP) from the structural surface
• Normal velocity on the structural surface nodes
The calculation occurs in the POST1 general postprocessor (/POST1) based on the corresponding
definition of the quantities. Use the PRAS or PLAS command to print or plot the surface quantities
based on the defined load steps, substeps, or frequency range.
Select the surface nodes for which the acoustic quantities will be calculated. Perform the calculation
by issuing the PRAS or PLAS command. The subset number (SUBSTEP argument) specified on the
command corresponds to the solving frequency. The acoustic quantities are the average values on the
surface.
Example 12.4: Calculating Acoustic Surface Quantities

…
/solu
antype,harmic
hropt,full
harfrq,0,1000
nsubst,2 ! two sub-steps
solve
finish
/post1
nsel,s,loc,z,l ! select surface nodes
pras,simpd ! list specific acoustic impedance at default load/substep
pras,aimpd,1,2 ! list acoustic impedance at load step 1 and substep 2
pras,mimpd ! list mechanical impedance at default load/substep
pras,pres ! list pressure at default load/substep
pras,force ! list force at default load/substep
pras,power ! list sound power at default load/substep
alls
finish
The acoustic surface quantities can be monitored and stored by issuing this command:
*GET,Par,ACUS,0,Item1
To obtain an acoustic surface quantity via the *GET command, issue the PRAS or PLAS command at a
specified position prior to issuing the *GET command.
The equivalent radiated power (ERP) from the selected structural surface is calculated for the structure-
borne sound via the PRAS or PLAS command. The waterfall diagram of the equivalent radiated power
can be generated if the RPM is defined via the MRPM command.
The normal velocities on the structural surface nodes (VNS) are printed or plotted via the PRNSOL or
PLNSOL command.
12.2.5. Calculating Acoustic Volumetric Quantities

After solving an acoustic problem, the following quantities can be calculated on the selected elements:
• Sum of acoustic potential energy
• Sum of acoustic kinetic energy
• Sum of acoustic total energy (potential energy + kinetic energy)
• Average square of the L2 norm of pressure
In the POST1 general postprocessor (/POST1), select the elements for which the acoustic quantities will
be calculated. Perform the calculation by issuing the PRAS or PLAS command; specify the frequency
via the corresponding substep number (SUBSTEP argument). These two commands print (PRAS) or
plot (PLAS) the volumetric quantities based on the defined load steps, substeps, or frequency range.
Example 12.5: Calculating Acoustic Volumetric Quantities

...
/solu
antype,harmic
hropt,full
harfrq,0,1000
nsubst,2 ! two sub-steps
solve
finish
/post1
esel,s,,,1 ! select surface nodes
pras,kene ! list kinetic energy at default load/substep
pras,kene,1,2 ! list kinetic energy at load step 1 and substep 2
pras,mene ! list potential energy at default load/substep
pras,tene ! list total energy at default load/substep
pras,plv2 ! list average square of the L2 norm of pressure at default load/substep
alls
finish
12.3. Postprocessing a Modal Acoustic Analysis

lowing:
Primary data: Nodal DOFs (UX, UY, UZ, PRES) and resonant frequencies
Derived data:
• Nodal velocity over the acoustic model
• Nodal sound pressure level
• Element velocity (PGX, PGY, PGZ, PGSUM)
In modal analysis, the time-average root mean square quantities are calculated over one period of the
sinusoidal function. For more information, see Elements for Acoustic Analysis in the Element Reference.
Postprocessing a Transient Acoustic Analysis
Use the POST1 general postprocessor (/POST1) to view results over the entire model at specific resonant
frequencies. To view results over a range of frequencies, use the POST26 time history postprocessor
(/POST26).
For a complete description of all postprocessing functions, see An Overview of Postprocessing the Basic
Analysis Guide.
12.4. Postprocessing a Transient Acoustic Analysis

lowing:
Primary data: Nodal DOFs (UX, UY, UZ, PRES)
Derived data:
• Nodal velocity over the acoustic model
• Nodal sound pressure level over time increment
• Element velocity (PGX, PGY, PGZ, PGSUM)
In transient analysis, the time-average root mean square quantities are calculated over the time increment
. For more information, see Elements for Acoustic Analysis in the Element Reference.
Use the POST1 general postprocessor (/POST1) to view results over the entire model at specific time
steps. To view results over a time period, use the POST26 time history postprocessor (/POST26).
For a complete description of all postprocessing functions, see An Overview of Postprocessing the Basic
Analysis Guide.
Chapter 13: Acoustic Analysis Examples
The following example analyses illustrate acoustic elements and commands used in a variety of applic-
ations:
13.1. Example: Acoustic-Structural Coupled Modal Resonance of an Annular Ring Submerged in Water with a
Harmonic Analysis
13.2. Example: Sloshing Modes of a Cylindrical Cavity
13.3. Example: Resonant Frequencies in a Pipe with Ideal Gas
13.4. Example: Acoustic Harmonic Response in a Room
13.5. Example: Transmission Loss of a Muffler
13.6. Example: Johnson-Champoux-Allard Model of a Perforated Material
13.7. Example: Transfer Admittance Matrix in Fluid
13.8. Example: Boundary Layer Impedance Model of a Rigid Walled Waveguide with Viscous-Thermal Fluid
13.9. Example: Radiation from Two Waveguides
13.10. Example: Radiation from a Dipole
13.11. Example: Monopole Incident Wave Scattering of a Rigid Sphere
13.12. Example: Planar Incident Wave FSI Scattering of an Infinite Cylindrical Shell
13.13. Example: One-Way Coupling from Structure to Acoustics
13.14. Example: Modal Analysis of an Acoustic-Structural Coupled Structure with Nonlinear Static Prestress Using
Linear Perturbation
13.15. Example: Spectrum Analysis of a Cylindrical Tank Filled with Water
13.16. Example: Structural Panel Subject to Excitation From a Diffuse Sound Field
13.17. Example: Transmission Loss of a Structural Panel under an Obliquely Incident Plane Wave
13.18. Example: Sound Far Field from a Piston Using Rayleigh Integral
13.19. Example: Acoustic Propagation in a Lined Guide with an Impedance Boundary and Mean Flow
Also see Acoustic Analysis of a Small Speaker System in the Technology Demonstration Guide.
13.1. Example: Acoustic-Structural Coupled Modal Resonance of an An-

nular Ring Submerged in Water with a Harmonic Analysis
This example problem determines the first flexural mode (egg mode) frequency of an annular ring
submerged in water which extends to infinity. A harmonic analysis is performed using a frequency
sweep between 34 and 38 Hz.
The distance from the center of the ring to the infinite elements is at least equal to (D/2) + 0.2λ, where
D is the outer diameter of the ring, and λ = c/f is the dominant wavelength of the pressure waves.
Using 0.26035 for the outer radius of the ring, 1460 for the speed of sound (c), and 36 for the estimated
dominant frequency (f ), gives (D/2) + 0.2λ = 0.26035 + (0.2)(1460)/36 = 8.37146. This distance is much
greater than that required when using the acoustic infinite element, however, and so a distance of 2x
the outer radius of the ring is used ( 2 x .26035 = .5207).
/BATCH,LIST
/VERIFY,EV129-1S
/PREP7
/TITLE,AMA,EV129-1S,FLUID129,HARMONIC ANALYSIS
ET,1,PLANE182,2 ! structural element
ET,2,FLUID29 ! acoustic fluid element with ux & uy
Acoustic Analysis Examples
et,3,129 ! acoustic infinite line element

r,3,0.5207,0,0
ET,4,FLUID29,,1,0 ! acoustic fluid element without ux & uy
! material properties
MP,EX,1,2.068e11
MP,DENS,1,7929
MP,NUXY,1,0
MP,DENS,2,1030
MP,SONC,2,1460
! create inner and outer quarter circles
CYL4,0,0,0.254,0,0.26035,90
CYL4,0,0,0.26035,0,0.5207,90
! select, assign attribute to and mesh area 1
ASEL,S,AREA,,1
AATT,1,1,1,0
LESIZE,1,,,16,1
LESIZE,3,,,16,1
LESIZE,2,,,1,1
LESIZE,4,,,1,1
MSHKEY,1
MSHAPE,0,2D ! mapped quad mesh
AMESH,1
! select, assign attribute to and mesh area 2
ASEL,S,AREA,,2
AATT,2,1,2,0
LESIZE,5,,,16,1
LESIZE,7,,,16,1
LESIZE,6,,,5
LESIZE,8,,,5
MSHKEY,0
MSHAPE,0,2D ! mapped quad mesh
AMESH,2
! reflect quarter circle into semicircle about x-axis
nsym,x,1000,all ! offset node number by 1000
esym,,1000,all
! reflect semicircle into full circle about y-axis
nsym,y,2000,all ! offset node number by 2000
esym,,2000,all
NUMMRG,ALL ! merge all quantities
! modify outer 2 layers of el29 into type 4
esel,s,type,,1
nsle,s
esln,s,0
nsle,s
esel,inve
nsle,s
emodif,all,type,4
esel,all
nsel,all
! define el129 line element
csys,1
nsel,s,loc,x,0.5207
type,3
real,3
mat,2
esurf
esel,all
nsel,all
! flag interface as fluid-structure interface
nsel,s,loc,x,0.26035
esel,s,type,,2
sf,all,fsi,1
nsel,all
esel,all
FINISH
! enter solution module
/SOLU
ANTYPE,harmic ! select harmonic analysis
hropt,full
f,19,fx,1000.
f,1019,fx,-1000.
harfrq,34.,38.
Example: Sloshing Modes of a Cylindrical Cavity
nsubst,100
kbc,1
SOLVE
FINISH
! postprocess
/post26
plcplx,0
nsol,2,1,u,x,d1ux
store
conjug,3,2
prod,4,2,3
sqrt,5,4
*get,uxmx,vari,5,extrem,tmax
/COM -------------------------------------------------------------
/COM Expected Result:
/COM
/COM The following "uxmx" should equal 34.52 Hz.
/COM -------------------------------------------------------------
*status,uxmx
finish
13.2. Example: Sloshing Modes of a Cylindrical Cavity

This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID220 to predict the sloshing modes of a cylindrical
cavity.
The inner and outer radius of the cavity are 0.1 m and 0.2 m, respectively.
The height of the cavity is 0.2 m, including a cylindrical steel solid with the height 0.1 m at the bottom.
The bottom surface of the cavity is constrained.
The free surface is defined at the top of the water.

/batch,list
/title,Modal Analysis of Free Surface Effects
/nopr
/prep7
! create geometry
r1=0.1 ! inner radius
r2=0.2 ! outer radius
h=0.1 ! height
nr=5
ntheta=30
nz=5
local,11,,,,,,,90 ! local coordinate
wpcsys,,11
cyl4,0,0,r1,,r2,,h
wpro,,90.
vsbw,all
wpro,,,90.
vsbw,all
local,12,1,,,,,,90
csys,12
lsel,all
lsel,u,loc,x,r1
lsel,u,loc,x,r2
lesize,all,,,nr
lsel,s,loc,x,r1
lsel,u,loc,z,h
lsel,u,loc,z,0.0
lesize,all,,,nz
lsel,s,loc,x,r2
lsel,u,loc,z,h
lsel,u,loc,z,0.0
lesize,all,,,nz
lsel,s,loc,x,r1
lsel,r,loc,z,h
lesize,all,,,ntheta
lsel,s,loc,x,r2
lsel,r,loc,z,h
lesize,all,,,ntheta
lsel,s,loc,x,r1
lsel,r,loc,z,0.0
lesize,all,,,ntheta
lsel,s,loc,x,r2
lsel,r,loc,z,0.0
lesize,all,,,ntheta
csys,11
alls
mshkey,1
! define elements
mp,sonc,1,1500. ! sound speed
mp,dens,1,1000. ! mass density
et,2,186, ! structural element
mp,ex,2,1.44e11
mp,dens,2,7700
mp,nuxy,2,0.35
! create mesh
type,1
mat,1
vsweep,all
alls
type,2
mat,2
vsymm,z,all
alls
nummgr,all
vsel,s,loc,z,0,-h
eslv,s,
emodif,all,,2
alls
! flag free surface
nsel,s,loc,z,h
sf,all,free
! define constrains
nsel,s,loc,z,-h
d,all,uz,0
d,all,ux,0
d,all,uy,0
! flag fsi interface
nsel,s,loc,z,0
sf,all,fsi
alls
csys,0
acel,9.81,0,0 ! gravity acceleration
fini
! perform a solution
/solu
antype,modal
modopt,unsym,20,0.05
mxpand,20
solve
fini
! post-processing
/post1
set,list
/com,analytical eigenfrequencies are listed below
/com,f1 = 0.996
/com,f2 = 1.704
/com,f3 = 2.176
/com,f4 = 2.521
/com,f5 = 2.814
/com,f6 = 2.852
/com,f7 = 2.960
/com,f8 = 3.120
/com,f9 = 3.313
/com,
fini
Example: Resonant Frequencies in a Pipe with Ideal Gas
13.3. Example: Resonant Frequencies in a Pipe with Ideal Gas

This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID220 to predict the resonant frequencies in a pipe
filled with the ideal gas.
The pipe dimensions are 0.02 x 0.05 x 1m3. The material properties are defined at the reference temper-
ature TREF = 288.15 K.
The temperatures are set to 2000 K and 400 K at z = 0 and z = 1 m, respectively.
The temperature varies linearly from one end to the other.
A constant static pressure is used.

/batch,list
/title,Ideal gas with linear temperature variation
/nopr
/prep7
! define element and material
et,1,220,,1
rho=1.225 ! density
c=340 ! sonic speed
p0=101325 ! constant static pressure
mp,sonc,1,c
mp,dens,1,rho
! define the geometry
a=0.02
b=0.05
c=1
block,0,a,0,b,0,c
! create mesh
h=0.01
mshape,0,3d
esize,h
type,1
mat,1
vmesh,all
alls
tref,288.15 ! reference T = 288.15 K
! linear temperature variation: T=2000 (z=0); T=400 (z=c)
*get,ndmax,NODE,0,COUNT
node=0
*do,i,1,ndmax
node=ndnext(node)
zi=nz(node)
con= (-1600/c)*zi+2000
nsel,s,loc,z,zi
bf,all,temp,con
nsel,all
*enddo
alls
nsel,all
! constant static pressure p0=101325 Pa
bf,all,chrgd,p0
! define the boundary condition
nsel,s,loc,z,c
d,all,pres,0
alls
fini
/solu
antype,modal
modopt,lanb,6,50,2000 ! six modes between 50 and 2000 Hz
mxpand,6
solve
fini
/post1
*dim,result,array,6
*do,i,1,6
set,1,i
*get,freq,active,,set,freq ! get resonant frequency
result(i) = freq
*enddo
/com,
/com, ***** Resonant Frequencies (Hz) *****
*vwrite,result(1)
(18X,F15.4)
finish
13.4. Example: Acoustic Harmonic Response in a Room

This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID30 to predict the acoustic standing wave pattern
of a typical enclosure representing a room.
A sound-absorption material is located at the bottom surface of the enclosure and a vibrating structure
with a cylindrical surface is located at the top right hand corner of the enclosure.
The problem determines the acoustic pressure wave pattern when the structure vibrates at an excitation
frequency of 80 Hz.
/batch,list
/com, Harmonic Analysis - Room Acoustics
/nopr
/PREP7
/TITLE,Room Acoustic Analysis
ANTYPE,HARM
ET,1,30 ! Acoustic elements in contact with walls and vibrating surface
ET,2,30,,1 ! Acoustic elements in interior (not in contact with walls)
! Material properties
RHO=1.2041 ! density of air (kg/m**3)
C0=343.24 ! speed of sound in air (m/sec)
Z0=RHO*C0 ! Sound impedance
MP,DENS,1,RHO
MP,SONC,1,C0
! Set parameters for mesh generation
XDIV=29 ! Number of divisions along x-axis
YDIV=19 ! Number of divisions along y-axis
ZDIV=1 ! Number of divisions along z-axis
CDIV=2 ! Number of divisions along radius
! Dimensions of the room
LEN=8.2296
HGT=6.0960
RAD=0.27432
ZL=-0.3048
! Mesh generation
K,1
K,2,LEN
K,3,LEN,HGT
K,4,,HGT
K,5,,,ZL
K,6,LEN,,ZL
K,7,LEN,HGT,ZL
K,8,,HGT,ZL
L,1,5,1
L,2,6,1
L,3,7,1
L,4,8,1
CIRC,3,RAD,7,2,90,2
ADRAG,5,6,,,,, 3
PIO4=ATAN(1)
LENC=COS(PIO4)
LENC=LENC*RAD
HGTC=HGT-LENC
LENC=LEN-LENC
K,15,,HGTC
Example: Acoustic Harmonic Response in a Room
K,16,,HGTC,ZL
K,17,LENC
K,18,LENC,,ZL
L,1 ,17,XDIV
L,10,15,XDIV
L,11,4 ,XDIV
L,17,10,YDIV
L,15, 1,YDIV
L,2 ,9 ,YDIV
L,5 ,18,XDIV
L,13,16,XDIV
L,14,8 ,XDIV
L,18,13,YDIV
L,16,5 ,YDIV
L,6 ,12,YDIV
ESIZE,,CDIV
V,1 ,17,10,15, 5,18,13,16
V,15,10,11,4 ,16,13,14,8
V,17,2 ,9 ,10,18,6 ,12,13
VMESH,ALL
ALLS
! Coupled elements
NSEL,S,LOC,X,0.0
NSEL,A,LOC,Y,0.0
NSEL,A,LOC,X,LEN
NSEL,A,LOC,Y,HGT
LOCAL,11,1,LEN,HGT
NSEL,A,LOC,X,RAD
ESLN
ESEL,INVE
TYPE,2
EMODIF,ALL ! Interior elements are specified as Type=2 & material=3
ALLS
! Fluid-Structure Interface (FSI)
NSEL,S,LOC,X,RAD ! Select interface (FSI) surface nodes
ESLN ! Select elements attached to interface surface
SF,ALL,FSI ! Specify vibrating surface as Fluid-structure interface
! Boundary conditions
CSYS,0
NSEL,S,LOC,X,0.0
NSEL,A,LOC,Y,0.0
NSEL,A,LOC,X,LEN
NSEL,A,LOC,Y,HGT
D,ALL,UX,,,,,UY,UZ ! Constrain all displacements to zero at the walls
CSYS,11
NSEL,S,LOC,X,RAD ! Select interface (FSI) surface nodes
NROTAT,ALL
D,ALL,UX,.003048 ! Radial vibration amplitude of Vibrating surface
D,ALL,UY,,,,,UZ
ALLS
! Impedance surface (IMPD)
CSYS,0
NSEL,S,LOC,X,0.0
NSEL,A,LOC,X,LEN
NSEL,A,LOC,Y,0.0
NSEL,A,LOC,Y,HGT
SF,ALL,IMPD,Z0/0.04 ! Wall impedance
HX=LENC/XDIV
NSEL,S,LOC,Y,0.0
NSEL,R,LOC,X,13*HX,17*HX
SF,ALL,IMPD,Z0/0.7 ! Window impedance
ALLS
FINISH
/SOLU
! Excitation Frequency for Harmonic Analysis
HARF,80,80 ! Frequency of excitation = 80 Hz
SOLVE
FINISH
! Plot the Standing Wave Pattern (f = 80 Hz)
/POST1
/SHOW,ENCL1,GRPH,1
SET,1,1 ! plot the real part of pressure response

EPLOT
/EDGE,1
/TITLE,-ROOM ACOUSTICS- * REAL PART OF PRESSURE
PLNS,PRES
SET,1,1,,1 ! plot the imag. part of pressure response
/TITLE,-ROOM ACOUSTICS- * IMAG. PART OF PRESSURE
PLNS,PRES
FINISH
13.5. Example: Transmission Loss of a Muffler

This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID221 to predict the acoustic transmission loss of
a muffler.
The radius and length of the chamber are 0.0766445 m and 0.2032 m, respectively.
The radius and length of the inlet and outlet pipe are 0.0174625 m and 0.104775 m, respectively.
/batch,list
/title, Transmission Loss of Muffle
/show,png
/nopr
/PREP7
rho=1.2041 ! air mass density
c0=343.24 ! air sound speed
z0=rho*c0
freqE=3000 ! highest working frequency
wave=c0/freqE ! wavelength at the highest frequency
p=1
vn=-p/(rho*c0) ! normal velocity excitation
! define element and materials
et,1,221,,1 ! tet uncoupled element
mp,dens,1,rho ! material
mp,sonc,1,c0
! create the model
rapipe=0.0174625
lpipe=0.104775
rchamb=0.0766445
lchamb=0.2032
cylind,0,rapipe,0,lpipe,0,180
cylind,0,rchamb,lpipe,lpipe+lchamb,0,180
cylind,0,rapipe,lpipe+lchamb,2*lpipe+lchamb,0,180
vsel,all
vglue,all
! mesh the geometry
h=wave/10 ! 10 elements/per wavelength
esize,h
type,1
mat,1
vmesh,all
nummrg,all
! define excitation and boundary conditions on inlet and outlet port
nsel,s,loc,z,0 ! nodes on inlet
sf,all,port,1 ! inlet port
sf,all,shld,vn ! normal velocity
sf,all,impd,z0 ! impedance boundary on inlet
nsel,s,loc,z,2*lpipe+lchamb ! nodes on outlet
sf,all,port,2 ! outlet port
sf,all,inf ! radiation boundary on outlet
alls
fini
! perform solutions
/solu
antype,harmic
hropt,auto
kbc,1
harf,0,freqE
nsub,60 ! 50 Hz interval with 60 steps
Example: Johnson-Champoux-Allard Model of a Perforated Material
solve
finish
! post-processing
/post1
pras,pall,1,all,,,,,1,2 ! print sound power data
plas,tl,1,all,,,,,1,2 ! plot transmission loss
fini
13.6. Example: Johnson-Champoux-Allard Model of a Perforated Mater-

ial
This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID221 to predict the sound pressure in an impedance
tube loaded with the perforated material using a Johnson-Champoux-Allard equivalent fluid model.
The frequency-dependent perforated material properties are defined.
The sound-hard boundary is applied to the walls of the pipe except for the inlet.
/batch,list
/title, JCA model with frequency-dependent parameters
/nopr
/prep7
FREQ1 = 2000 ! beginnng frequency
FREQ2 = 4000 ! ending frequency
SPEED = 343 ! sound speed
DENSITY= 1.2 ! mass density
NUM_EPW = 8 ! no. of element per wavelength
NUM_STEPS = 3 ! number of frequencies
RESIS1 = 10000 ! resistivity at FREQ1

RESIS2 = 10800 ! resistivity at FREQ2
PORO1 = 0.88 ! porosity at FREQ1
PORO2 = 0.98 ! porosity at FREQ2
TORTU1 = 1.00 ! tortuosity at FREQ1
TORTU2 = 1.04 ! tortuosity at FREQ2
VISCL = 129e-6 ! viscous characteristic length
THERL = 198e-6 ! thermal characteristic length
! define geometry
DIM_WIDTH = 30e-3
DIM_PERF = 51.44e-3
DIM_WAVELNG= SPEED/FREQ2
DIM_ESIZE = DIM_WAVELNG/NUM_EPW
DIM_LENGTH = 5*DIM_PERF
LOADING = 1e3/SPEED*2
! define element
et,1,221
keyopt,1,2,1
et,2,221
keyopt,2,2,1
! define real constant
r,1
r,2
! define material
mp,sonc,1,SPEED
mp,dens,1,DENSITY
mpcopy,,1,2 ! copy material model data
! define frequency-dependent JCA model
tb,perf,2,,,JCA
tbfield,freq,FREQ1
tbdata,1,RESIS1,PORO1,TORTU1,VISCL,THERL
tbfield,freq,FREQ2
tbdata,1,RESIS2,PORO2,TORTU2,VISCL,THERL
! create geometry
block,,DIM_WIDTH,,DIM_LENGTH,,DIM_WIDTH
block,,DIM_WIDTH,,-DIM_PERF,,DIM_WIDTH
nummrg,kp,1e-8,1e-8
! create mesh
vsel,s,loc,y,-DIM_PERF,0
vatt,2,2,2
vsel,all
esize,DIM_ESIZE
vmesh,all
! define loads
asel,s,loc,y,DIM_LENGTH
nsla,s,1
bf,all,js,LOADING ! mass source
sf,all,inf ! Robin radiation boundary flag
allsel,all
finish
/solu
antype,harmic
harfrq,1000,4000
hropt,auto
nsubst,3
solve
finish
! post-processing
/post1
*dim,pre,array,NUM_STEPS
*dim,frq,array,NUM_STEPS
*do,i,1,NUM_STEPS
set,1,i
*get,frq(i),active,,set,freq ! get resonant frequency
*get,pre(i),NODE,79,pres ! get pressure at node 79
*enddo
/com,
/com, ***** Ansys Results *****
/com,
/com, Frequency (Hz) Pressure (Pa)
*vwrite,frq(1),pre(1)
(7X,F15.4,10x,F15.4)
finish
13.7. Example: Transfer Admittance Matrix in Fluid

This sample problem demonstrates the use of FLUID220 to predict the sound wave reflection due to
the existence of an unsymmetric 2×2 admittance matrix. The transfer admittance matrix is defined as:
Both ports of the 2 x 2 network are connected to the fluid.
The sound wave characteristic impedance is Z0 = 417.45 N⋅s/m3.
In terms of the network theory, the reflection coefficients are 0.15 and 0.20 at port 1 and port 2, respect-
ively.
/batch,list
/title, Transfer Admittance Matrix in the Fluid
/nopr
/prep7
pi=acos(-1)
k=8*pi ! wave number
rho0 = 1.21 ! mass density
c0 = 345 ! sound speed
freq = k*344/(2*pi) ! working frequency
wavelen = 2*pi/k ! wavelength
! structure dimensions
h = wavelen/12 ! mesh size
d = 2*h
Example: Transfer Admittance Matrix in Fluid
l = 0.75*wavelen
z1 = l/2
z2 = z1+0.05*h
z3 = z2+l/2
! define elements and material

et,1,220,,1
mp,dens,1,rho0
mp,sonc,1,c0
mp,dens,2,rho0
mp,sonc,2,c0
! set transfer admittance matrix parameters
y11r=0.634852E-02 ! Re(Y11)
y11i=0. ! Im(Y11)
y12r=-0.437959E-02 ! Re(Y12)
y12i=0.437959E-02 ! Im(Y12)
y21r=-0.437959E-02 ! Re(Y21)
y21i=-0.437959E-02 ! Im(Y21)
y22r=0.598419E-02 ! Re(Y22)
y22i=0. ! Im(Y22)
! define transfer admittance matrix
tbdel,perf,2
tb,perf,2,,,YMAT
tbdata,1,y11r,y11i,y12r,y12i,y21r,y21i
tbdata,7,y22r,y22i
tblist,perf,2
! define normal velocity
pa=1
z0=rho0*c0
un=-pa/z0
! create model
block,-d/2,0,-d/2,d/2,0,z1
block,-d/2,0,-d/2,d/2,z1,z2
block,-d/2,0,-d/2,d/2,z2,z3
vglue,all
mshape,0,3d
esize,h
type,1
mat,1
vsel,s,loc,z,0,z1
vsel,a,loc,z,z2,z3
vmesh,all ! mesh with normal material
type,1
mat,2
vsel,s,loc,z,z1,z2
vmesh,all ! mesh with admittance matrix
! define ports for admittance matrix

esel,s,mat,,2
nsle,s
nsel,s,loc,z,z1
sf,all,port,1 ! port 1 of 2-port network
nsel,s,loc,z,z2
sf,all,port,2 ! port 2 of 2-port network
alls
! define boundary condition

nsel,s,loc,z,z3
sf,all,impd,z0 ! matched outlet
! excitation at transparent port

nsel,s,loc,z,0
sf,all,shld,un ! normal velocity excitation
sf,all,impd,z0 ! matched inlet
alls
fini
! perform solution
/solu
antype,harmic
hropt,auto
harfrq,freq
solve
fini
! post-processing
/post1
nsel,s,loc,z,0
nsel,r,loc,x,0
nsel,r,loc,y,-d/2
nod=0
node=ndnext(nod)
set,,,,,,,1 ! real solution

*get,frq,active,0,set,freq
pr=pres(node)
set,,,,,,,2 ! imaginary solution
pi=pres(node)
ref=sqrt((pa-pr)**2+pi**2)/pa
/com,
/com,***** Computed Reflection Coefficient *****
/com,
*vwrite,
(' Frequency Computed |R|')
*vwrite,frq,ref
(1x,e14.7,6x,e14.7)
fini
13.8. Example: Boundary Layer Impedance Model of a Rigid Walled

Waveguide with Viscous-Thermal Fluid
This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID220 to predict the sound pressure level at the
closed end of a rigid walled waveguide.
The waveguide is terminated by a rigid wall at one end (z = Lz) and driven by a plane piston at another
end (z = 0).
The square cross section of waveguide is Lx = Ly = 15 mm, and the length Lz is 170 mm.
The analytic value of the pressure at z = Lz is given by:
where:
For more information about viscous-thermal parameters, see Viscous-Thermal Materials in the Mechan-
ical APDL Theory Reference
/batch,list
/title,BLI model for waveguide with visco-thermal fluid
/nopr
/prep7
freq1 = 880 ! beginning frequency
freq2 = 1100 ! ending frequency
rho = 1.29 ! mass density
c0 = 340 ! sound speed
kx = 0.0241 ! thermal conductivity
visc = 1.71e-5 ! dynamic viscosity
cv = 654.1376 ! Cv heat coefficient
cp = 915.7926 ! Cp heat coefficient
Example: Radiation from Two Waveguides
bvis=0.6*visc ! bulk viscosity

wavelen=c0/freq2 ! wavelength
v0=2.45e-3 ! normal velocity
! viscous-thermal material
tb,afdm,1,,,mat
tbdata,1,rho,c0,visc,kx,cp,cv,
tbdata,7,bvis
! create geometry
d=0.005
l=0.170
block,-d/2,d/2,-d/2,d/2,0,l
! create mesh
h=wavelen/20
et,1,220,,1
esize,h
type,1
mat,1
vmesh,all
! define BLI boundary on rigid walls
nsel,s,loc,z,l
nsel,a,loc,x,-d/2
nsel,a,loc,x,d/2
nsel,a,loc,y,-d/2
nsel,a,loc,y,d/2
sf,all,bli
! define normal velocity on piston
nsel,s,loc,z,0
sf,all,shld,v0
alls
fini
/solu
eqslv,sparse
antype,harmic
harfrq,freq1,freq2
nsub,11
solve
fini
! post-processing
/post26
nsel,s,loc,x,-d/2
nsel,r,loc,y,-d/2
nsel,r,loc,z,l
nod=0
node=ndnext(nod)
nsol,2,node,spl
fini
13.9. Example: Radiation from Two Waveguides

This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID220 to predict the acoustic radiation wave pattern
from two waveguides that have pistons at one end and an infinite baffle at another end.
A sound-absorption material is located at the surfaces of the enclosure, modeled using PML.
For more information see Perfectly Matched Layers (PML) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
/batch
/prep7
! structure dimensions
pi=3.1415926535
k=8*pi
c0=340
freq=k*c0/(2*pi)
et,11,200,7
et,1,220,,1 ! acoustic
et,2,220,,1,,1 ! pml
mp,dens,1,1.
mp,sonc,1,c0
d=0.1
l=1.
s=0.5
a=2
dpml=0.25
h=d/2
rect,-l,0,s/2,s/2+d
rect,-l,0,-s/2,-s/2-d
rect,0,a,-a/2,a/2
rect,0,a+dpml,-a/2-dpml,a/2+dpml
asba,4,3,,delete,keep
aglue,all
esize,h
type,11
amesh,all
mshape,0
mshkey,0
asel,all
asel,u,,,5
esla
type,1
mat,1
esize,,1
vext,all,,,0,0,d,
asel,s,,,5
type,2,
mat,1
esize,,1
vext,all,,,0,0,d,
asel,s,loc,z,0
aclear,all
alls
nummrg,all
nsel,s,loc,x,a+dpml
nsel,a,loc,y,-a/2-dpml
nsel,a,loc,y,a/2+dpml
d,all,pres,0.
! hard excitation source
nsel,s,loc,x,-l
d,all,pres,1
alls
fini
! perform solution
/solu
eqslv,sparse
antype,harmic
harfrq,freq
solve
fini
/post26
/out
prcplx,0
nsel,s,loc,x,0
nsel,r,loc,y,s/2+d
*get,A1,node,0,num,max
nsel,s,loc,x,0
nsel,r,loc,y,s/2
*get,A2,node,0,num,max
nsel,s,loc,x,0
nsel,r,loc,y,-s/2-d
*get,B1,node,0,num,max
nsel,s,loc,x,0
nsel,r,loc,y,-s/2
*get,B2,node,0,num,max
nsel,s,loc,x,a
nsel,r,loc,y,a/2
*get,C1,node,0,num,max
nsel,s,loc,x,a
nsel,r,loc,y,-a/2
*get,C2,node,0,num,max
Example: Radiation from a Dipole
allsel
nsol,2,A1,pres,,Input_A1
nsol,3,A2,pres,,Input_A2
nsol,4,B1,pres,,Input_B1
nsol,5,B2,pres,,Input_B2
nsol,6,C1,pres,,Output_C1
nsol,7,C2,pres,,Output_C2
/com ***************Results****************************
prvar,2,4,
prvar,3,5,
prvar,6,7
/com *******************************************************
fini
13.10. Example: Radiation from a Dipole

This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID220 to predict the acoustic radiation from a dipole.
The dipole is located inside of the model at point (0,0,0). The dipole length is defined as the half of the
mesh, and the dipole axis is along the x-direction.
Because of the symmetry exhibited by the dipole radiation pattern, only 1/8 of the radiation space is
modeled.
The Y-Z plane is a sound-soft plane. The other two coordinate planes are sound-hard planes.
PML is used to terminate the open radiation space.
For details about near- and far-field calculation, see the PLFAR, PRFAR, PLNEAR, and PRNEAR commands.
/batch,list
/title,Radiation from a Dipole
/nopr
/prep7
! define material properties
rho=1.2041 ! mass density
soundv=343.26 ! sound speed
freq=1.e3 ! working frequency
wavel=soundv/freq ! wavelength
omega=2.*3.1415926535*freq ! angular frequency
p0=0.5*freq ! amplitude of pressure
! set model dimensions
*dim,a,array,4
a(1)=0
a(2)=a(1)+0.1*wavel
a(3)=a(2)+0.1*wavel
a(4)=a(3)+0.1*wavel
*do,i,1,3
*do,j,1,3
rect,a(i),a(i+1),a(j),a(j+1)
*enddo
*enddo
aglue,all
et,11,200,7 ! temporary element
et,1,220,0,1 ! normal element
et,2,220,0,1,,1 ! PML element
mp,dens,1,rho
mp,sonc,1,soundv
! create 2d mesh
h=(a(2)-a(1))/6
nz1=(a(3)-a(1))/h
local,11 ! set up local coordinate system
wpcsys,,11
type,11
mshape,0
esize,h
amesh,all ! meshing 2d model
! create 3d mesh
asel,s,loc,x,0,a(3)
asel,r,loc,y,0,a(3)
cm,aa,area
esys,11 ! set up element coordinate system
type,1 ! normal element region
mat,1
esize,,nz1
vext,all,,,0,0,a(3)-a(1)
asel,s,loc,z,0
asel,u,,,aa
type,2 ! meshing PML region
mat,1
esize,,nz1
vext,all,,,0,0,a(3)-a(1)
nz2=(a(4)-a(3))/h
esize,,nz2
asel,s,loc,z,a(3)
vext,all,,,0,0,a(4)-a(3)
allsel,all,all
nummrg,all ! merge nodes
asel,s,loc,z,0 ! delete 2d element
aclear,all
etdel,11
alls
! constrains on PML exterior surface
nsel,s,loc,x,a(4)
nsel,a,loc,y,a(4)
nsel,a,loc,z,a(4)
d,all,pres,0.
! constrains on x=0 symmetric plane
nsel,s,loc,x,a(1)
d,all,pres,0.
alls
! analytic incident dipole inside of model
awave,1,dipo,pres,int,p0,0,0,0,0,rho,soundv,,h/2,1,0,0
finish
/solu
antype,harmic ! harmonic analysis
harfrq,freq ! frequency for analysis
asol,scat,on ! scattered formulation
ascres,total ! output total pressure field
solve
finish
! post-processing
/post1
/show,png
set,1,1
hfsym,,ssb,shb,shb ! symmetric plane for far field
/com,
/com, ********************************************
/com, * near/far analytic solution |p| *
/com, ********************************************
/com, (x,y,z) |p|
/com, (1,0,0) 26.176
/com, (5,0,0) 5.235
/com, (10,0,0) 2.618
/com, (20,0,0) 1.309
/com,
/com, ********************************************
/com, * near/far Ansys solution |p| *
/com, ********************************************
/com,
prnear,point,psum,,1,0,0
prnear,point,psum,,20,0,0,
prfar,pres,sumc,0,0,1,90,90,1,20
prfar,pres,splc,0,0,1,90,90,1,20,2.e-5
Example: Monopole Incident Wave Scattering of a Rigid Sphere
prfar,pres,pwl,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1.e-12
plfar,pres,sump,0,0,1,0,360,180,10
plfar,pres,splp,0,0,1,0,360,180,10,2.e-5
plfar,pres,dgpl,0,0,1,0,180,90
fini
13.11. Example: Monopole Incident Wave Scattering of a Rigid Sphere

This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID221 to predict the acoustic scattering of a
monopole incident wave of a rigid sphere (radius = 1 m).
The monopole spherical source is located at (2, 0, 0).
PML is used for truncation of the open space.
For more information, see Perfectly Matched Layers (PML) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
/batch,list
/com, harmonic analysis – scattering from a rigid sphere
/title,Scattering of a Rigid Sphere
/nopr
/prep7
pi=3.1415926535
c0=343 ! sound speed
ra=1 ! radius of sphere
ka=5 ! product of wavenumber and radius
wave2=2.*pi*ra/ka ! wavelength
h=wave2/10 ! mesh size
freq=c0/wave2 ! frequency
p0=1./(ka/ra) ! amplitude of incident pressure
! 10-node tetrahetral
et,1,221,,1 ! normal tet
et,2,221,,1,,1 ! pml tet
mp,dens,1,rho ! define density
mp,sonc,1,c0 ! define sound speed
! define the model
xs=2.
n=nint((xs-1.01*ra)/h) ! keep source outside of model
npml=4
nb=2
na=n-npml-nb
*if,na,le,0,then
na=1
*endif
a=ra+na*h
b=a+nb*h
c=b+npml*h
sphere,0,ra,0,180
block,-a,a,0,a,-a,a
block,-b,b,0,b,-b,b
block,-c,c,0,c,-c,c
vsbv,4,3,,delete,keep
vsbv,3,2,,delete,keep
vsbv,2,1,,delete,delete
alls
vglue,all
! meshing
mshape,1,3d
mat,1
type,1
vsel,all
vsel,u,,,5
esize,h
vmesh,all
vsel,all
type,2
mat,1
esize,h
vsel,s,,,5
vmesh,all
alls
! define equivalent source surface
nsel,s,loc,x,-a,a
nsel,r,loc,y,0,a
nsel,r,loc,z,-a,a
esln,s,1,all ! elements with selected nodes
nsel,s,loc,x,a
nsel,a,loc,x,-a
nsel,a,loc,y,a
nsel,a,loc,z,-a,
nsel,a,loc,z,a
sf,all,mxwf ! equivalent source surface
alls
! define boundary condition on pml
nsel,s,loc,x,c
nsel,a,loc,x,-c
nsel,a,loc,y,c
nsel,a,loc,z,-c
nsel,a,loc,z,c
d,all,pres,0. ! pressure=0 on pml exterior
allsel,all
! define external monopole incident wave
awave,1,mono,pres,ext,p0,0,xs,0,0,rho,c0
fini
! perform solution
/solu
eqslv,sparse
antype,harmic
harfrq,freq
solve
fini
! pos-processing
/post1
set,1,1
hfsym,0,,shb,, ! sound-hard x-z plane
prnear,point,psum,0,-5,0,0 ! near pressure at (-5,0,0)
prnear,point,psum,0,5,0,0 ! near pressure ar (5,0,0)
prfar,pres,sumc,0,0,0,-90,90,18,5. ! far pressure at r=5
fini
13.12. Example: Planar Incident Wave FSI Scattering of an Infinite Cyl-

indrical Shell
This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID221 to predict the acoustic scattering of a planar
incident wave of an infinite cylindrical shell (radius = 1 m, thickness = 0.02 m).
The FSI between the acoustic incident wave and the structural shell is taken into account.
The coupled harmonic problem uses the symmetric formulation, requiring fewer computational resources
than other formulations.
The incident plane wave is defined by the magnitude p0 = 1, the incident angle θ = 90° and φ = 180°.
PML is used for the truncation of the open space. For more information, see Perfectly Matched Layers
(PML) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
/batch,list
/com,Plane wave FSI scattering from a cylindrical shell
/title,FSI Scattering of Cylindrical Shell
/nopr
/prep7
pi=3.1415926535
Example: Planar Incident Wave FSI Scattering of an Infinite Cylindrical Shell
rho=1025 ! water mass density

c0=1520 ! sound speed
ra=1 ! radius of cylindrical shell
thick=0.02 ! thickness of cylindrical shell
ka=2 ! product of wavenumber and radius
k0=ka/ra
freq=k0*c0/(2.*pi) ! frequency
wavel=c0/freq ! wavelength
h=wavel/10 ! nwsh size
! define element properties
et,11,200,7 ! mesh element
et,1,220,2,0 ! 20-node element using symmetric formula
et,2,220,2,1,,1 ! pml element using symmetric formula
et,3,281 ! shell element
mp,dens,1,rho ! water density
mp,sonc,1,c0 ! water sound speed
mp,ex,2,2.1e11 ! solid young module
mp,dens,2,7840 ! solid density
mp,nuxy,2,0.3 ! solid Minor Poisson's ratios
! define the model
rb=ra+0.5*wavel
rc=rb+0.5*wavel
nz=2
zl=nz*h
cyl4,0,0,0,0,ra,180,0
*dim,a,array,4
*dim,b,array,3
a(1)=-rc
a(2)=-rb
a(3)=rb
a(4)=rc
b(1)=0
b(2)=rb
b(3)=rc
*do,i,1,3
*do,j,1,2
rect,a(i),a(i+1),b(j),b(j+1)
*enddo
*enddo
asba,4,1,,dele,dele
aglue,all
asel,s,loc,x,a(2),a(3)
asel,r,loc,y,b(1),b(2)
cm,aa,area
alls
! mesh the model
esize,h
type,11
amesh,all ! mesh 2d surface
asel,s,,,aa
type,1 ! extrude 2d element to 3d
mat,1
esize,,nz
vext,all,,,0,0,zl
alls
asel,s,loc,z,0
asel,u,,,aa
type,2
mat,1
esize,,nz
vext,all,,,0,0,zl ! extrude 2d element to 3d pml
alls
! clean up 2d element
asel,s,loc,z,0
aclear,all
etdel,11
nummgr,all
! flag fsi interface
csys,1,
nsel,s,loc,x,ra
sf,all,fsi
alls
csys,0
! define shell element
sectype,,shell
secdata,thick,2 ! shell with thickness=0.02 and material 2
csys,1
nsel,s,loc,x,ra
type,3
mat,2
alls
csys,0
nsel,all
d,all,uz,0
nsel,s,loc,y,b(1)
d,all,uy,0
alls
! incident plane wave
p0=1
phi=180
theta=90
awave,1,plan,pres,ext,p0,0,phi,theta,,rho,c0
fini
! perform solution
/solu
asol,scat,on ! activate scattered field formula
ascres,total ! output total field
eqslv,sparse ! sparse direct solver
antype,harmic ! harmonic analysis
harfrq,freq ! define working frequency
solve
fini
/post1
! calculate the plane wave value on the shell surface
dtorad=3.1415926535/180.
kx=-k0*sin(theta*dtorad)*cos(phi*dtorad)
csys,1
nsel,s,loc,z,0
nsel,r,loc,x,ra ! nodes on shell
csys
*get,ndmax,NODE,0,COUNT
*dim,ang1,array,ndmax
*dim,psr,array,ndmax
*dim,psi,array,ndmax
*dim,pang,array,ndmax
node=0
*do,i,1,ndmax
node=ndnext(node)
xx=nx(node)
yy=ny(node)
pang(i)=kx*xx ! plane wave phase angle
ang1(i)=atan2(yy,xx)/dtorad ! nodal angle in polar coordinate
*enddo
! real solution of the pressure
set,1,1
node=0
*do,i,1,ndmax
node=ndnext(node)
pr0=p0*cos(pang(i)) ! real part of incident plane wave
*get,pp,NODE,node,pres ! real part of total pressure solution
psr(i)=pp-pr0 ! real part of scattered wave
*enddo
! imaginary solution of the pressure
set,1,1,,1
node=0
*do,i,1,ndmax
node=ndnext(node)
pi0=-p0*sin(pang(i)) ! imaginary part of incident plane wave
*get,pp,NODE,node,pres ! imaginary part of total pressure solution
psi(i)=pp-pi0 ! imaginary part of scattered wave
*enddo
! sort results in terms of angles
Example: One-Way Coupling from Structure to Acoustics
*do,i,1,ndmax-1
*do,j,i,ndmax
*if,ang1(j),lt,ang1(i),then
tmp=ang1(i)
ang1(i)=ang1(j)
ang1(j)=tmp
tmp=psr(i)
psr(i)=psr(j)
psr(j)=tmp
tmp=psi(i)
psi(i)=psi(j)
psi(j)=tmp
*endif
*enddo
*enddo
/com,******************************************************************
/com,* Ansys results: scattered pressure on the shell surface *
/com,******************************************************************
/com, Angle (Deg) P_REAL P_IMAG
/com,
*do,i,1,ndmax
ang0=ang1(i)
p0r=psr(i)
p0i=psi(i)
*vwrite,ang0,p0r,p0i
(2x,f7.2,17x,g12.5,6x,g12.5)
*enddo
fini
13.13. Example: One-Way Coupling from Structure to Acoustics

This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID220 to predict the one-way coupling from the
structure to acoustics.
In one-way sequential coupling, the structural analysis is performed first. The structural results on the
one-way coupling interface flagged on the structural model are stored in a file with the extension .asi,
then used in the sequential acoustic analysis as the excitation.
A square infinite steel pipe with the wall thickness 0.125 m, containing air with the cross section 1 x 1
m2, is simulated to demonstrate the process.
/batch,list
/title, one-way coupling via .asi file
/nopr
/prep7
! define elements
et,1,186
et,2,220,,1
et,11,200,7
! define steel material properties
mp,ex,1,1.44e11
mp,dens,1,7700
mp,nuxy,1,0.35
! define air material properties
mp,dens,2,1.21
mp,sonc,2,430
! create the mesh
h=0.0625
*dim,a,array,4
a(1)=0
a(2)=a(1)+2*h
a(3)=a(2)+1
a(4)=a(3)+2*h
*do,i,1,3
*do,j,1,3
rect,a(i),a(i+1),a(j),a(j+1)
*enddo
*enddo
aglue,all
asel,r,loc,y,a(2),a(3)
cm,a1,area
alls
type,11 ! 2d mesh
esize,h
amesh,all
lz=h
n=1
type,2
mat,2
asel,s,,,a1
esize,,n
vext,all,,,0,0,lz ! acoustic mesh
type,1
mat,1
asel,s,loc,z,0 ! structural area
asel,u,,,a1
esize,,n
vext,all,,,0,0,lz ! structural mesh
alls
asel,s,loc,z,0 ! delete 2d mesh
aclear,all
etdel,11
alls
nummgr,all
! define one-way coupling interface
esel,s,type,,1
nsle,s
nsel,s,loc,x,a(2)
nsel,a,loc,x,a(3)
nsel,a,loc,y,a(2)
nsel,a,loc,y,a(3)
sf,all,fsin,1 ! flag interface with fsin
alls
! set boundary condition
nsel,s,loc,y,0 ! set displacement constraint
d,all,ux,0
d,all,uy,0
d,all,uz,0
alls
nsel,all
d,all,uz,0
! set loads on the structure
nsel,s,loc,x,0
f,all,fx,1 ! apply force
alls
esel,u,type,,2 ! unselect acoustic element in structure
asifile,write ! store interface structural results
fini
! perform a structural solution
/solu
antype,harm
hropt,auto
kbc,1
harf,58,68 ! frequency range
nsub,3 ! solving at 3 frequencies
solve
fini
! start an acoustic analysis
/prep7
alls
esel,u,type,,1 ! unselect structural element in acoustics
asifile,read ! read stored structural results
fini
! perform an acoustic solution
/solu
antype,harm
hropt,auto
kbc,1
harf,58,68 ! frequency range
Example: Modal Analysis of an Acoustic-Structural Coupled Structure with Nonlinear
Static Prestress Using Linear Perturbation
nsub,3 ! solving at 3 frequencies
solve
fini
! post-processing
/post26
nn1 = node(0.125,0.125,0)
nsol,2,nn1,pres
fini
13.14. Example: Modal Analysis of an Acoustic-Structural Coupled

Structure with Nonlinear Static Prestress Using Linear Perturbation
This example problem demonstrates the use of FLUID220 and SHELL281 to predict the resonant modes
of an acoustic-structural coupled structure.
The structural shell is prestressed via a nonlinear static analysis with the large deformation first.
The mesh in the acoustic domain is morphed in terms of the deformation of the structural shell before
an acoustic-structural coupled modal analysis is performed (MORPH).
Finally, the linear perturbation scheme is used to solve the resonant modes of the acoustic-structural
coupled structure with updated mesh.
The acoustic domain is constructed by 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2 m3 volume. An aluminum plate with a thickness
of 0.01 m is placed at X = 0.2 m. The plate has the dimension 0.01 x 0.2 x 0.2 m3. The constraints UX =
-1, UY = 0 and UZ = 0 (D) are imposed on the aluminum plate. On the X = 0 plane, the constraints UX
= 0 and UZ = 0 are imposed. On the Y = 0 plane, the constraints UY = 0 and UZ = 0 are imposed.
/batch,list
/nopr
/prep7
et,1,220 ! acoustic element
et,2,281 ! shell element
sectype,2,shell ! define section type as shell
secdata,0.01,2,0 ! shell parameters
mp,dens,1,1.2 ! acoustic mass density
mp,dens,2,2700 ! aluminum mass density
mp,ex ,2,70e9 ! aluminum elastic moduli
mp,nuxy,2,.3 ! aluminum minor Poisson’s rato
r,1 ! real constant type 1
r,2 ! real constant type 2
block,,.2,,.2,,.2 ! acoustic geometry
type,1
real,1
mat,1
esize,,10
vmesh,1 ! mesh acoustic domain
alls
type,2
real,2
mat,2
secnum,2
asel,s,loc,x,0.2
nsla,s,1
esurf ! create shell element
alls
! define constrains
asel,s,loc,x,.2
nsla,s,1
d,all,ux,-0.1
d,all,uy
d,all,uz
asel,s,loc,x,0
nsla,s,1
d,all,ux,0,,,,uz
asel,s,loc,y,0
nsla,s,1
d,all,uy,0,,,,uz
! define fsi interface
esel,s,type,,1
nsle,s
nsel,r,loc,x,0.2
sf,all,fsi
alls
finish
! perform non-linear static solution
/solu
antype,static
nlgeom,on
cnvtol,f,1,1e-4
nsub,1
morph,on,,,,,,,,,on ! morphing acoustic domain
rescontrol,define,all,1
solve
finish
! set up linear perturbation
/solu
antype,static,restart,,,perturb
perturb,modal,,,parkeep ! set LP to modal analysis
solve,elform
! perform modal solution
modopt,unsym,5,0.001 ! set beginning frequency to 0.001 Hz
mxpand,5,,,yes
solve
finish
13.15. Example: Spectrum Analysis of a Cylindrical Tank Filled with Water

This example problem demonstrates how to calculate the response of a simple tank structure to a ho-
rizontal seismic excitation using spectrum analysis.
The steel tank is 21 m tall with a radius of 7 m. It is meshed with SHELL281 and constrained at the base.
It is filled with water, which is meshed with FLUID220 elements. The fluid has a free surface with zero
pressure at the top and FSI interfaces on all other faces.
The unsymmetric eigensolver is used to extract the first 250 eigensolutions between 4.1 and 50 Hz.
Both right and left eigensolutions are requested. The solutions are real by default.
Finally the spectrum analysis (SPRS) is run with horizontal (X-direction) excitation using the CQC com-
bination method. This analysis can be post-processed in POST1 after the MCOM file is input.
/batch
/title, Response Spectrum Analysis of a Tank
Radius = 7
Height = 21
Thickness = 0.015
ElemSize = 0.5
Dens_Fluid = 1000
Sonc_Fluid = 1500
Ex_Solid = 1.95e11
PRXY_Solid = 0.3
Dens_Solid = 7850
/PREP7
LOCAL,12,0,0,0,0, ,-90, ,1,1,

CSYS,12
WPCSYS,-1
CSYS,0
CYLIND,Radius,0,0,Height,0,360,
Example: Spectrum Analysis of a Cylindrical Tank Filled with Water
ET,1,220,0,0
MP,DENS,1,Dens_Fluid
MP,SONC,1,Sonc_Fluid
ET,2,281
MP,EX,2,Ex_Solid
MP,DENS,2,Dens_Solid
MP,PRXY,2,PRXY_Solid
SECTYPE,2,SHELL
SECDATA,Thickness,2
ESIZE,ElemSize
TYPE,1
MAT,1
SECNUM,1
VSEL,,,,1
VSWEEP,ALL
TYPE,2
MAT,2
SECNUM,2
ASEL,S,,,1
ASEL,A,,,3
ASEL,A,,,4
NSLA,S,1
ESURF
! Boundary Conditions
DA,1,UX,0
DA,1,UY,0
DA,1,UZ,0
DA,2,PRES,0
SFA,1,,FSI
SFA,3,,FSI
SFA,4,,FSI
ALLSEL,ALL
FINISH
/solu
ANTYPE,MODAL
MODOPT,UNSYM,250, 4.1,50,,, BOTH ! request BOTH left and right eigensolutions
MXPAND,250
SOLVE
FINI
/SOLU
ANTYPE,SPECTRUM
SPOPT,SPRS
SVTYP,2
DMPR,0.04
FREQ, 0.050, 0.106, 0.110, 0.113, 0.240, 0.310, 0.440, 0.785, 0.810
FREQ, 1.157, 1.430, 1.780, 1.795, 1.911, 2.035, 2.167, 2.307, 2.616
FREQ, 2.785, 2.966, 3.158, 3.363, 3.813, 4.060, 4.323, 7.605, 8.622
FREQ, 9.181, 9.776, 13.380, 15.170, 16.153, 17.199, 19.500, 23.541, 26.690
FREQ, 41.417, 44.101, 50.000, 100.000
SV,, 0.4074E-01, 0.9420E-01, 0.9420E-01, 0.9420E-01, 0.1640E+01, 0.3118E+01, 0.9190E+01, 0.9160E+01, 0.9160E+01
SV,, 0.5371E+01, 0.2420E+01, 0.1850E+01, 0.1210E+01, 0.1139E+01, 0.1139E+01, 0.9863E+00, 0.9863E+00, 0.9248E+00
SV,, 0.9248E+00, 0.9634E+00, 0.9634E+00, 0.9950E+00, 0.9950E+00, 0.9950E+00, 0.1169E+01, 0.1169E+01, 0.1150E+01
SV,, 0.1115E+01, 0.1076E+01, 0.1076E+01, 0.8974E+00, 0.8974E+00, 0.8948E+00, 0.8664E+00, 0.8565E+00, 0.8208E+00
SV,, 0.8200E+00, 0.8111E+00, 0.8089E+00, 0.8089E+00
CQC
SED,1,0,0 ! X-direction
SOLVE
FINI
/POST1
/INPUT,,MCOM
SELTOL,1E-5
NSEL,,LOC,X,RADIUS
NLIS
PRNSOL,U
PRNSOL,PRES
ALLSEL
/SHOW,PNG,REV
/VIEW,,1,1,1
ESEL,,TYPE,,2
PLNSOL,U,X
ESEL,,TYPE,,1
PLNSOL,PRES
FINISH
13.16. Example: Structural Panel Subject to Excitation From a Diffuse

Sound Field
This example problem demonstrates the use of the FLUID220 element to predict the transmission loss
of a structural panel under excitation from a diffuse sound field.
The material properties of the 0.7m x 0.5m x 0.005m structural panel with fixed edges are:
Elastic moduli = 210 GPa

Minor Poisson's ratios = 0.28
Mass density = 7800 kg/m3
Constant structural damping coefficient = 0.005
The receiving domain is the air with mass density = 1.225 kg/m3 and sound speed = 430 m/s.
The FSI between the acoustic incident wave and the structural shell is taken into account.
The diffuse sound field is defined in the global Cartesian coordinate system, as follows:
Reference sphere radius = 15 m

Power spectral density = 1.0 (Watt/Hz)
Mass density = 1.225 kg/m3
Sound speed = 430 m/s
Maximum incident angle = 90o
Number of parallel rings = 20
Sampling option = ALL (initializes the random generator of incident planar wave
phases and samples the phases at each solving frequency)
Perfectly matched layers (PML) are used for truncation of the open space. For more information, see
Perfectly Matched Layers (PML) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
/batch,list
/title, A Structural Panel under the Excitation of the Diffuse Sound Field
/prep7
/nopr
et,11,200,7 ! 2d quad element for meshing
et,3,281 ! structure shell element
mp,dens,1,1.225 ! the air mass density
mp,sonc,1,340 ! sound speed in the air
mp,dens,2,7800 ! steel mass density
mp,ex ,2,2.1e11 ! steel elastic moduli
Example: Structural Panel Subject to Excitation From a Diffuse Sound Field
mp,nuxy,2,.28 ! steel minor Poisson's ratios

mp,DMPR,2,0.005 ! steel constant structural damping coefficient
a0=0.7 ! length of the panel
b0=0.5 ! width of the panel
dz=2*a0
dpml=0.2
abuf=a0/8
bbuf=b0/8
h=a0/10 ! mesh size
*dim,a,array,6
*dim,b,array,6
a(3)=-a0/2
a(4)=a0/2
a(2)=a(3)-abuf
a(1)=a(2)-dpml
a(5)=a(4)+abuf
a(6)=a(5)+dpml
b(3)=-b0/2
b(4)=b0/2
b(2)=b(3)-bbuf
b(1)=b(2)-dpml
b(5)=b(4)+bbuf
b(6)=b(5)+dpml
esize,h
*do,i,1,5
*do,j,1,5
rect,a(i),a(i+1),b(j),b(j+1)
*enddo
*enddo
aglue,all
type,11
amesh,all ! mesh 2d surface
asel,r,loc,y,b(2),b(5)
cm,a1,area
alls
nsiz=nint(dz/0.3)
npml=3
cmsel,s,a1
type,1 ! generate 3d coupled acoustic element
mat,1
esize,,nsiz
vext,all,,,,,-dz
alls
asel,s,loc,z,0
asel,u,,,a1
type,2 ! generate 3d acoustic PML element
mat,1
esize,,nsiz
vext,all,,,,,-dz
alls
nsel,s,loc,z,0
nsel,r,loc,x,a(3),a(4)
nsel,r,loc,y,b(3),b(4)
cm,nod1,node ! group vibro-acoustics FSI interface nodes
sf,all,fsi ! flag FSI interface
alls
type,2 ! generate the rest of 3d acoustic PML element
mat,1
asel,s,loc,z,-dz
esize,,npml
vext,all,,,,,-dpml
alls
asel,s,loc,z,0
aclear,all
etdel,11
alls
nummrg,all
alls
nsel,s,loc,x,a(1)
nsel,a,loc,x,a(6)
nsel,a,loc,y,b(1)
nsel,a,loc,y,b(6)
nsel,a,loc,z,-dz-dpml
d,all,pres,0 ! pressure constrains on PML exterior surface
alls
sectype,2,shell
secdata,0.005,2
cmsel,s,nod1 ! select FSI interface nodes
type,3
mat,2
secn,2
alls
nummrg,all
alls
esel,s,type,,3 ! select shell element
type,4
mat,2
alls
nummrg,all
alls
! fix panel edges
nsel,s,loc,z,0
nsel,r,loc,x,a(3)
d,all,ux,0
d,all,uy,0
d,all,uz,0
nsel,s,loc,z,0
nsel,r,loc,x,a(4)
d,all,ux,0
d,all,uy,0
d,all,uz,0
nsel,s,loc,z,0
nsel,r,loc,y,b(3)
d,all,ux,0
d,all,uy,0
d,all,uz,0
nsel,s,loc,z,0
nsel,r,loc,y,b(4)
d,all,ux,0
d,all,uy,0
d,all,uz,0
alls
! define diffuse sound field
dfswave,0,15,1,1.225,340,90,20,all
finish
/solu
antype,harmic
harfrq,65,75
nsubst,10
msolve,5,0.1,2 ! five samples
finish
/post1
/show,png
pras,dfst,avg,all ! print average transmission loss
plas,dfst,avg,all ! plot average transmission loss
finish
Example: Transmission Loss of a Structural Panel under an Obliquely Incident Plane
Wave
13.17. Example: Transmission Loss of a Structural Panel under an Ob-
liquely Incident Plane Wave
This example problem demonstrates the use of the FLUID220 element to predict the transmission loss
of an infinite structural panel under excitation from an obliquely incident plane wave. The Floquet
periodic boundary condition is used to truncate the infinite panel.
The material properties of the structural panel with thickness 0.0508 m are:
Elastic moduli = 206.84 GPa

The acoustic domain is the water with mass density = 1000 kg/m3 and sound speed = 1498.6 m/s.
FSI between the acoustic incident wave and the structural panel is taken into account.
Excitation and output plane wave ports are defined on the interior surfaces.
The incident angle θ (from +z axis toward +x axis) sweeps from 0° to 88° at the φ = 0° plane.
The Floquet periodic boundary condition is applied on the cell sidewalls in the x-direction.
The program calculates the phase shift on the slave nodes according to the incident angles.
Perfectly matched layers (PML) truncate the domain in the z-direction. For more information, see Perfectly
Matched Layers (PML) in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference.
/batch, list
/nopr
/prep7
et,1,220,, ! coupled acoustic element
rho1 = 1000 ! acoustic fluid mass density
c01 =1498.6 ! sound speed in acoustic fluid
rho2 = 7500 ! structural mass density
ex=2.0684e11 ! structural Young's module
nuxy=0.3 ! poison ratio
freq = 10000 ! working frequency
wavelen = c01/freq ! wave length
dL=0.0508 ! period
dd=1.0*wavelen
dpml=0.5*wavelen ! PML thickness
h=wavelen/32 ! mesh size
p0=1 ! amplitude of incident pressure wave
mp,dens,1,rho1 ! define acoustics material
mp,sonc,1,c01
mp,dens,2,rho2 ! define structural material
mp,ex,2,ex
mp,nuxy,2,nuxy
*dim,c,array,6 ! set up geometry
c(1)=0
c(2)=c(1)+dpml
c(3)=c(2)+dd
c(4)=c(3)+dL
c(5)=c(4)+dd
c(6)=c(5)+dpml
*do,i,1,5
block,-dL/2,dL/2,-h,h,c(i),c(i+1)
*enddo
vglue,all
vsel,s,loc,z,c(3),c(4) ! generate mesh
type,3
mat,2
esize,h
vmesh,all
vsel,s,loc,z,c(2),c(3)
vsel,a,loc,z,c(4),c(5)
type,1
mat,1
vmesh,all
vsel,s,loc,z,c(1),c(2)
vsel,a,loc,z,c(5),c(6)
type,2
mat,1
vmesh,all
alls
nsel,s,loc,z,c(3) ! flag FSI interface
nsel,a,loc,z,c(4)
sf,all,fsi
nsel,s,loc,x,-dL/2 ! coupled nodes
nsel,a,loc,x,dL/2
nsel,r,loc,z,c(1),c(6)
cpcyc,all,,,dL
nsel,s,loc,z,c(5) ! define plane wave excitation at port 1
bf,all,port,1
aport,1,plan,0,p0
nsel,s,loc,z,c(2) ! define output port at port 2
bf,all,port,2
aport,2,plan
nsel,s,loc,z,c(1) ! pml exterior b.c
nsel,a,loc,z,c(6)
d,all,pres,0
alls
d,all,uy,0
ecpchg
fini
/solu ! perform solution
eqslv,sparse
pmlopt,,,,,,,1.e-7,1.e-7
antype,harmic
hropt,auto
harfrq,freq
nsub,1
msolve,88,0,88,aphi,0 ! angle theta sweep with fixed phi=0
fini
/post1
/show,png
pras,tl,1,all,,,,,1,2 ! print transmission loss
plas,tl,1,all,,,,,1,2 ! plot transmission loss
fini
The transmission loss of the structural panel under an obliquely incident plane wave is shown in this
figure:
Example: Sound Far Field from a Piston Using Rayleigh Integral
Figure 13.1: Transmission of a Panel under an Obliquely Incident Plane Wave
13.18. Example: Sound Far Field from a Piston Using Rayleigh Integral
This example problem demonstrates the use of the Rayleigh integral to predict the sound far field of a
piston with infinite baffle. A quarter of the piston is modeled without any acoustic elements under the
assumption that the fluid does not influence the structural motion. The radiated sound far field is effi-
ciently computed by the Rayleigh integral during postprocessing.
The material properties of the piston with the radius 0.1 m and thickness 0.01 m are:
Elastic moduli = 210 GPa

The acoustic domain is the air with mass density = 1.21 kg/m3 and sound speed = 345 m/s.
/batch, list
/nopr
/prep7
pi=acos(-1.)
a=0.1 ! radius of the piston
d=0.01 ! thickness of the piston
h=a/5 ! mesh size

c0=345 ! sound speed in the air
k=10 ! wave number
frq=k*c0/(2.*pi) ! working frequency
omega=2.*pi*frq ! working angular frequency
vn=-1 ! normal velocity in z direction
un=-vn/omega ! displacement in z direction
mp,dens,1,7800 ! mass density of the piston
mp,ex,1,2.1e11 ! elastic moduli of the piston
mp,nuxy,1,.28 ! poison's ratio of the piston
cyl4,0.,0.,0.,0.,a,90,-d ! 1/4 piston model
esize,h
type,1
mat,1
mshape,1,3d
vmesh,all ! meshing
alls
nsel,s,loc,z,-d
d,all,uz,0,un ! imaginary displacement constrain
nsel,s,loc,z,0
sf,all,mxwf ! flag radiation surface
alls
fini
/solu
antype,harmic ! define harmonic analysis
harfrq,frq,frq ! solving frequency
nsubst,1 ! sub-step
solve ! solve
fini
/post1
set,1,1
hfsym,,shb,shb ! indicate boundary condition on symm planes
R = 0.05 ! observation point
prfar,plat,sumc,0,0,1,0,0,1,R,,,rho,c0 ! amplitude of pressure
prfar,plat,phsc,0,0,1,0,0,1,R,,,rho,c0 ! phase angle of pressure
prfar,plat,splc,0,0,1,0,0,1,R,,,rho,c0 ! sound pressure level
prfar,plat,pwl,0,0,1,0,0,1,,,,rho,c0 ! radiated sound power level
fini
13.19. Example: Acoustic Propagation in a Lined Guide with an Impedance

Boundary and Mean Flow
This example problem uses the FLUID220 element to demonstrate acoustic propagation in a lined guide
with the complex impedance boundary and mean flow.
The lined duct with the dimension 4x1x0.075 m3 is terminated by Perfectly matched layers (PML) in the
acoustic propagating direction.
Figure 13.2: The Lined Guide with Impedance Boundary and Mean Flow
The impedance boundary with the complex impedance Z = 417.45+j417.45 ohms is applied on the top
boundary of the duct. The bottom boundary is set to the rigid wall.
Example: Acoustic Propagation in a Lined Guide with an Impedance Boundary and
Mean Flow
The volume mass source is located at the center of the duct to model a monopole source with radius
= 0.2 m. The nodal mass source is set to q=1/ω (ω is the angular frequency).
The uniform mean flow with Mach number = 0.3 in the x-direction is investigated. The working frequency
is 384.36 Hz.
The acoustic domain is the air with mass density = 1.21 kg/m3 and sound speed = 345 m/s. It is necessary
to use PML to truncate the duct, rather than the matched impedance boundary, since multiple modes
may be excited in the model.
/batch,list
/nopr
/prep7
pi=acos(-1.)
c0=345 ! sound speed in the air
rho=1.21 ! the air mass density
mach=0.3 ! Mach number
v0=mach*c0 ! mean flow velocity
k=7 ! working wave number
freq=k*345/(2*pi) ! working frequency
wavelen=c0/freq ! wave length
h=wavelen/12 ! mesh size
d=2 ! half length of duct
w=0.5 ! half height of duct
c=0.075 ! thickness of duct
dpml=0.5*wavelen ! thickness of PML
r=0.2 ! radius of monopole
z0=c0*rho ! wave impedance in the air
omega=2.*pi*freq ! angular frequency
q=1./omega ! mass source
x0=-r*cos(pi/4.)
y0=r*sin(pi/4)
et,1,220,,1 ! acoustic element
mp,dens,1,rho ! air mass density
mp,sonc,1,c0 ! sound speed in the air
! generate geometry
k,1,0,0,0
k,2,0,r,0
k,3,0,w,0
k,4,-d,w,0
k,5,-d,0,0
k,6,-r,0,0
k,7,x0,y0,0
k,8,-d-dpml,0
k,9,-d-dpml,w
l,1,2
l,2,3
l,3,4
l,4,5
l,5,6
l,6,1
larc,2,7,1,r
larc,7,6,1,r
l,4,7
l,4,9
l,5,8
l,8,9
al,7,2,3,9
al,1,7,8,6
al,4,5,8,9
al,4,10,12,11
aglue,all
! generate mesh
et,11,200,7
type,11
esize,h
amesh,all
asel,all
asel,u,,,4
esize,,1
type,1
mat,1
vext,all,,,0,0,c
asel,s,,,4
type,2
mat,1
esize,,1
vext,all,,,0,0,c
asel,s,loc,z,0
aclear,all
etdele,11
vsymm,x,all
vsymm,y,all
nummrg,all
alls
nsel,s,loc,x,-d-dpml
nsel,a,loc,x,d+dpml
d,all,pres,0 ! zero velocity potential on PML exterior
nsel,s,loc,y,w
sf,all,impd,z0,z0 ! impedance boundary on the top
alls
csys,1
nsel,s,loc,x,0,r
bf,all,mass,q,90 ! mass source
alls
csys,0
nsel,all
bf,all,vmen,v0,0,0, ! uniform mean flow in x-direction
alls
fini
/solu ! solution
eqslv,sparse
antype,harmic
harfrq,freq
nsub,1
solve
fini
/show,png
/post1
set,1,1
plns,pres ! nodal pressure
fini
The acoustic pressures without and with mean flow are shown in the figures below.
Example: Acoustic Propagation in a Lined Guide with an Impedance Boundary and
Mean Flow
Figure 13.3: Acoustic Pressure in Lined Guide without Mean Flow
Figure 13.4: Acoustic Pressure in Lined Guide with Mean Flow

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8.2.4. Surface Port ........................................................................................................................... 52

13.10. Example: Radiation from a Dipole ................................................................................................ 93

1.1. The General Acoustic Equations

1.2. Overview of the Acoustic Analysis Process

Table 1.1: Acoustic Analysis Steps

Step Tasks Comments

ANSYS Workbench may help in building the model

The FLUID129 and FLUID130 elements can act as

The FLUID29 element may not support some 3-D

The equivalent fluid model is defined by the TB

To ensure a reliable solution, either 10 elements per

For more information, see the Modeling and Meshing

refer to Acoustic Boundary Conditions, Absorbing

The mean flow effect is taken into account via a

The trim element with transfer admittance matrix is

For more information, see Acoustic Excitation Sources

For more information, see Acoustic Fluid-Structural

You may choose the symmetric algorithm for coupled

The pure scattered pressure formulation is also

You can use structural results as the acoustic excitation

You can impose ANSYS Fluent CFD results (stored in

You can take the nonlinear static analysis into account

Specific commands are available in POST1 for near-

2.1. Elements Used in an Acoustic Analysis

Table 2.1: Acoustic Element Properties

Element Attribute Degrees of Freedom per Node

PRES (uncoupled element)

Example 2.1: Creating Mixed Hexahedral and Wedge Elements

mshape,1 ! define the triangle element shape

Example 2.2: Creating Mixed Hexahedral, Pyramid, and Tetrahedral Elements

2.2. Commands Used in an Acoustic Analysis

Table 2.2: Primary Acoustic Analysis Commands

FLUREAD Reads one-way Fluent-to-Mechanical APDL coupling data

Table 2.3: Secondary Acoustic Analysis Commands

MORPH Specify the morphing operation in an acoustic linear

2.3. Understanding Acoustic Analysis Terminology

Interior problem The sound wave oscillates in an enclosure or propagates

FSI Acoustic fluid-structural interaction.

Coupled element Acoustic element with FSI interface.

Uncoupled element Acoustic element without FSI interface.

PML Perfectly matched layers.

IPML Irregular perfectly matched layers.

Sound-hard surface A surface on which particle normal velocity is zero. The

Sound-soft surface A surface on which sound pressure is constrained.

Transparent port An exterior surface on which incident pressure is launched

Vibro port An exterior surface on which incident pressure is launched

2.4. Acoustic Analysis Resources and Examples

• Acoustics in the Mechanical APDL Theory Reference

• Elements for Acoustic Analysis in the Element Reference

• These examples in the Technology Demonstration Guide:

Acoustic Analysis of a Small Speaker System

Also see Acoustic Analysis Examples (p. 79) in this guide.

• VM157 - 3-D Acoustic Modal Analysis with Temperature Change

• VM177 - Natural Frequency of a Submerged Ring

• VM242 - Johnson-Chamoux-Allard Equivalent Fluid Model