From a model of lossy flared pipes to a general framework for simulation of waveguides

This paper deals with the theory and application of waveguide modeling of lossy flared acoustic pipes, relying on the Webster-Lokshin equation. This model describes the propagation of longitudinal waves in axisymmetric acoustic pipes with a varying cross-section, visco-thermal losses at the walls, and without assuming planar waves or spherical waves. Solving this model for a piece of pipe leads to a two-port system made of four transfer functions which mimic the global acoustic effects. Moreover, introducing some relevant physical interpretations makes it possible to separate elementary effects due to the geometry of the piece of pipe (section, slope, and curvature) and isolate corresponding elementary transfer functions. From this decomposition a framework is obtained which allows to recover some digital waveguide models introduced earlier in the literature. This work contributes to the standardization of some different waveguide models, and brings a higher level of refinement that is visco-thermal losses combined with curvature effects