A numerical comparison between the multiple-scales and finite-element solution for sound propagation in lined flow ducts

An explicit, analytical, multiple-scales solution for modal sound transmission through slowly varying ducts with mean flow and acoustic lining is tested against a numerical finite-element solution solving the same potential flow equations. The test geometry taken is representative of a high-bypass turbofan aircraft engine, with typical Mach numbers of 0.5–0.7, circumferential mode numbers m of 10–40, dimensionless wavenumbers of 10–50, and both hard and acoustically treated inlet walls of impedance Z = 2 - i. Of special interest is the presence of the spinner, which incorporates a geometrical complexity which could previously only be handled by fully numerical solutions. The results for predicted power attenuation loss show in general a very good agreement. The results for iso-pressure contour plots compare quite well in the cases where scattering into many higher radial modes can occur easily (high frequency, low angular mode), and again a very good agreement in the other cases.