Bulk reaction modeling of ducts with and without mean flow

A general formulation for analysis of sound field in a uniform flow duct lined with bulk-reacting sound-absorbing material is presented here. Presented theoretical model predicts the rate of attenuation for symmetric as well as asymmetric modes in rectangular duct lined with loosely bound (bulk-reacting) sound-absorbing material, which allows acoustic propagation through the lining. The nature of attenuation in rectangular ducts lined on two and four sides with and without mean flow is discussed. Computed results are compared with published theoretical and experimental results. The presented model can be used as guidelines for the acoustic design of silencers, air-conditioning ducts, industrial fans, and other similar applications.