Introduction:
As automobile technology has evolved, one of the main factors automotive manufacturers consider when designing their vehicles is the sound they produce. To reduce noise pollution, modern vehicles are equipped with exhaust systems that include silencers. Exhaust silencers are designed to reduce the sound produced by the internal combustion engines in vehicles. There are two types of exhaust silencers – reactive and absorptive. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two different types of exhaust silencers.
Reactive Exhaust Silencer:
A reactive exhaust silencer is the most common type found in automobiles. These silencers work by reflecting sound waves back into the engine, which reduces the overall noise emitted by the vehicle. A reactive silencer typically consists of a series of tubes, chambers, and baffles. When the sound waves enter the silencer, they bounce off the tubes, creating a series of reflections. These reflections will eventually cancel each other out, resulting in a reduction in noise.
Design:
Reactive silencers are designed to reduce particular frequencies of sound produced by the engine. The silencer is made up of circular chambers or baffles that the exhaust gases flow through. Within the silencer, sound waves are reflected back at the exhaust gases, canceling out the sound energy. An exhaust back-pressure wave with opposite timing of the exhaust gas pulse is produced to silence the engine’s noise.
Absorptive Exhaust Silencer:
Absorptive exhaust silencers work differently from reactive silencers. Instead of reflecting sound waves, absorptive silencers absorb the sound. These silencers use a series of perforated tubes filled with sound-absorbing materials such as fiberglass. When the sound waves enter the silencer, they pass through the perforations and are absorbed by the materials inside. After being absorbed, the sound waves become converted into heat, which is then dissipated.
Design:
Absorptive silencers are made up of a series of perforated tubes that the exhaust gases flow through. Often, these tubes are wrapped in fiberglass as the sound-absorbing material. As the exhaust gases pass through the tubes, sound waves are absorbed by the fiberglass, reducing the volume of noise. Absorptive silencers are less restrictive than reactive silencers and, as a result, often provide better engine performance by reducing back pressure.
Which One is Better?
The answer to this question depends on the specific needs of the vehicle. If a car produces a sound with high-frequency waves, then a reactive exhaust silencer will be an excellent choice. On the other hand, a car with a more robust sound and lower-frequency waves will benefit more from an absorptive exhaust silencer. Moreover, reactive silencers tend to be more restrictive than absorptive ones that limit the engine’s power. Hence absorptive silencers are suitable for providing more power to the engine.
Conclusion:
Exhaust silencers are vital components of modern automobiles. They help to reduce noise pollution and create a quieter driving experience. There are two types of exhaust silencers – reactive and absorptive. Reactive silencers reflect sound waves and cancel each other out, while absorptive silencers absorb sound waves, converting them into heat. The final decision of which exhaust silencer to use depends on the specific needs of the vehicle as each type of silencer is better suited for particular sound frequencies.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – What Are The Two Types Of Exhaust Silencers?
What are the two types of exhaust silencers?
There are two types of exhaust silencers: absorptive silencers and resonator silencers. Absorptive silencers are packed with sound-absorbing material while resonator silencers use a series of chambers to reflect sound waves and cancel out noise.
How do absorptive silencers work?
Absorptive silencers work by packing the inside of the silencer with sound-absorbing materials such as fiberglass or steel wool. When the exhaust gases pass through the silencer, the sound waves hit the absorbing material and are converted into heat energy, which reduces the noise.
How do resonator silencers work?
Resonator silencers work by using a series of chambers and perforated tubes to reflect sound waves and cancel out noise. The chambers and tubes are designed to create a specific frequency that cancels out the noise generated by the engine. The sound waves bounce back and forth between the chambers and tubes until they are cancelled out.
Which type of exhaust silencer is better?
The choice between an absorptive silencer and resonator silencer depends on personal preference and the type of vehicle. Absorptive silencers tend to be more effective at reducing high-frequency noise, while resonator silencers are better at reducing low-frequency noise. In general, resonator silencers are more commonly used in stock exhaust systems, while aftermarket exhaust systems often use absorptive silencers.
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