FEM Simulation of loudspeakers

and loudspeaker components

Leonhard Kreitmeier
Harman/Becker automotive systems
Straubing, Germany





Summary
The electrodynamic principle is widely used for Loudspeaker application due to the fact that the result
is a robust type of transducer.This Fact is especially useful in car application where there is massive
environmental testing done. FEM Simulations of these transducers helps defining the design of the
components without a large amount of samples. Also the components are defined and optimised with
respect to the sound pressure level frequency response SPL as the final target of the transducer.
In this Paper we want to show some of the special problems arising with FEM simulation of these
transducers. More specifically dealing with the problem of defining the material parameters.





Keywords
Loudspeaker, Material Parameter, Correlation, ANSYS MECHANICAL/EMAG,

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2.4.3

1. Introduction
The investigation is done to an electrodynamic loudspeaker. (Fig. 1).




Figure 1:
electrodynamic loudspeaker












This speaker consists of the following main parts which are
a vibrating mechanical structure (membrane, dust cup, voice coil, voice coil former, surround
and spider) which is clamped or glued to a basket (Fig. 2).
a fixing structure (basket) (Fig. 3).
a motor unit (Magnet structure) which is also fixed to the basket. (Fig. 4).


Figure 2: vibrat.structure

Figure 3: basket

Figure 4: motor unit










This structure is assembled that way that the voice coil, which is part of the vibrating structure, is
placed in the radial air gap of the permanent magnet structure.
The electrical signal is now transferred via Lorenzforces acting on the voice coil, due to the interaction
of the current in the voice coil and the Magnet field in the air gap of the magnet system. Thus an axial
movement (vibration) of the structure is created (electro dynamic interaction). The vibrating structure
(membrane) then creates air waves in the audio frequency range. (Fig. 1).

The FEM Simulation of this structure and of its parts has the target to create a constant sound
pressure level over the operating audio frequency range. Also the limitation of this vibration (motion) in
a defined manner and level is part of this simulations.

Denomination of certain parts of the vibrating structure (Fig. 5).

surround
Voice coil
former
membran
spider
Dust cup
Figure 5: vibrating structure











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2. Simulation of electrodynamic Loudspeakers and their components
Some examples for this type of calculations are magnet calculations, none linear force excursion,
Force Factor Bl versus excursion calculation for magnet-voice coil configuration and frequency
response calculation for the complete loudspeaker.

magnet simulation (optimisation) Fig. 6a,b
Flux Density B in the air gap
Created are Design spaces of geometric data versus the Flux Density B[T] in the air gap. The
variables to be optimised in this calculations, are iron part thicknesses, magnet material type
and dimension. Principle design space plots are
preferred versus single optimisation results (f.e.
random optimisation because of changing
optimisation target functions.










magnet simulation (large signal) Fig. 7a,b
Force Factor BL versus excursion x

The Designspace consists of the configuration type of magnet system and voice coil system. The
target is to design this excursion function of the
Force Factor Bl [ Tm] in a way that the distortion of
the transducer is minimised. Target function is
created by special large signal measurement
software.

Figure 6b: Design Space

Figure 6a: magnet









suspension simulation ( large signal )
Force versus excursion

The Force Excursion curve for the components (spider,surround) or the complete speaker, is
evaluated by a none linear calculation. The figure 8b show results for a spider and the variation of its
roll height. This allows geometric design
with respect to excursion limits. Fig. 8a,b



Figure 7b: Bl vers. Excursion ( voice coil)

Figure 7a:

Figure 8b: Force-Excursion ( spider )

Figure 8a:
Roll height
spider










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International Congress Kultur- und Congress Centrum Graf-Zeppelin-Haus,
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frequency response Topology Correlation
Sound Pressure Level (SPL) versus frequency
( dome tweeter ) Fig. 9a,b

The sound pressure frequency response is used two ways
- as a target function of an existing sample for material parameter definition
- optimisation for the geometric design data of the transducer.

In this example the frequency response curve for a dome tweeter is calculated from 8kHz up to 30kHz.
The results are used to determine the material parameters of the dome tweeter components by
correlation with the measured response.Sensitivity
Figure 9b: Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
frequency response
analysis of the parameters allow to detect the
influence of the parameter on part of the response
curve and how it is typically changed.So certain
specifics of the frequency response should be
reproduced.


Figure 9a:














3. Special requirements of an acoustic frequency response calculation
Now we want to look at certain specifics of calculating sound pressure level frequency response curve
by FEM simulation means with ANSYS/MECHANICAL.
What is of interest here are certain requirements concerning frequency calculation of the complete
loudspeaker over the audio frequency range.

3.1. Initial considerations
specifics on loudspeaker frequency response calculation should be considered here.

Initial considerations

Axisymetric calculation in 2D
Air space is reduced to 0.37 m
Exact FEM modelling of geometry, wave guide, inner air spaces and glue is necessary
sensitivity of the frequency response result is very high to geometric variations,
so the geometric data must be defined very exactly

Results data of the FEM simulation ( Frequency resonse,basic resonance fo,excursion x ) are used
in different ways
to correlate with measured data of a sample to determine material parameters
to make design optimisation of geometric data in case the material parameters are defined.


The calculation is now performed as a harmonic calculation (Small Signal Domain)


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International Congress Kultur- und Congress Centrum Graf-Zeppelin-Haus,
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3.2. special requirements of acoustic calculations
Specialities of a acoustic frequency response calculation
The specifics for such an acoustic calculations are

3.2.1 Frequency bandwidth is large
The frequency bandwidth for this transducers is very high . Fig. 10




The frequency bandwidth covers the whole
audio bandwidth from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Measured frequency range for the devices
Figure 10: frequency response bandwidth
SPL
30 000 Hz
20 Hz
f [Hz]
8 kHz
is 0 Hz up to 30 kHz.








3.2.2 multi physic coupling
There is a series of energy conversion from electrical signal to the final sound pressure wave in air.
Fig. 10

Figure 11: multi physic coupling
Sound Pressure Level SPL
Lorenz Force F

the fluid-structure coupling
the mechanical vibration creates an
acoustic pressure wave.

the electrodynamic coupling
electrical signal is converted to
mechanical vibration of the structure.





3.2.3 number of DOFs is extremely high
the number of DOFs becomes under certain conditions very high dependent on dimension and upper
frequency limit Fig.12a,b,c

Figure 12c:
Structur+air space 0.375 m
Elements : 74646
DOFs : 75552
Calc.time (25 frequ.) : -3 Std.
the main contribution due to air alements
size of the elements is defined by upper bandwidth limit


Abbildung 12a:


Figure 12b:







structure
Elements : 906
DOFs : 1812
Calc.time (25 frequ.) :
Structur+air space 0.375 m
Elements : 14040
DOFs : 14946
Calc.time (25 frequ.) : 7 min




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3.2.4 difference of 2D and 3D calculation (radiating modes)
A 2D calculation is sufficient because only radial modes are contributing to the radiation. Only in
special cases a 3D calculation is necessary (Oval transducers,

Figure 13c:
asymmetric overlap of glued parts,etc,). High amount of elements
and thus an extended calculation time is achieved by solving a
3D Problem and keeping the resolution at the measurement point
the same as in the 2D axisymetric case. Fig. 13a,b,c



Figure 13a:

Figure 13b:







Structur+air space 0.375 m
Elements : 74646
DOFs : 75552
Calc.time (25 frequ.) : -3 hours.
Structur+air space 0.375 m
Elements : 14040
DOFs : 14946
Calc.time (25 frequ.) : 7 min
Structur+air space 0.375 m
Elements : 560.000
DOFs : 560.000
Calc.time (25 frequ.) : -8 days





3.2.5 material parameters are frequency dependent
Material Parameters for most materials (paper,polymers, glues) are frequency dependent over this
extended frequency range.Measurements have been

done on this area and show a clear dependency on
frequency and temperature over the audio frequency
range.

Measurements on Polyvinylchlorid results from
Becker and Oberst are shown in Fig. 14. [1] [2]

The frequency range is from 10 Hz to 10 kHz

The temperature range from 5 C to 120 C

The Module is changing from 1.0e7 Pa to 5.0e9 Pa.
120 C
5 C
E-Module

Figure 14: E-Module of Polyvinylchlorid


3.2.6 to measure frequency parameter
Most available material parameter measurement tools are only for static measurements. The
consequence is for the determination of material parameters values at higher frequencies there is a
need to relay on correlation with result values ( frequency response, etc).


measurement technique frequency range temperature range
Push/Pull measurement 0Hz -40-300 C
Rotary-vibrating measurement 2Hz -40-300 C
( Dreh/Schwingversuch )
DMTA Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis 1 - 200Hz -40-300 C
Modal Analysis measurement (by Laser) 1Hz - 5kHz -40-300 C
Modal Correlation Software (LMS,IDEAS)
Special Rotary-Vibration measurement 1Hz 5 kHz -40-300 C
( Mastering Technique ) 1Hz 10 kHz -40-300 C



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3.2.7 Material parameter correlation
For the entire frequency range correlations with result values like frequency response are the only
way to determine material parameter values. In the case of the frequency response the correlation is
done reproducing the special characteristics of the response curve. If there are none then samples are
created with different configuration (shapes, wave guide, etc ) or reduced amount of materials.

There are certain categories ( force-excursion, resonances, response curve) used for correlation
correlation measurement component frequency range
static force-excursion measurement surround/spider 0 Hz
static force-3D deformation measurement cone 0 Hz
Basic resonance measurement surround/spider 50 Hz 2 kHz
surround resonance Measurement surround 1 kHz
cone resonance measurement cone 15 kHz
Frequency response of SPL (Topology) loudspeaker 10 Hz 30 kHz
consistent multi response correlation loudspeaker 10 Hz 30 kHz
general sensitivity analysis
special samples with reduced amount of materials

3.2.8 large amount of materials
The loudspeaker consists of a large amount of materials which are connected to each other. Mostly
These parts are glued but there is also the possibility of clamping. They all interact creating the
frequency response curve.
So only those parameter formulations (damping models) are available which can be assigned to a lot
of materials (material dependent damping i).
minimum 2 materials
( membrane, glue)
maximum up to 14 materials

3.2.9 restriction on material models to be used (due to large amount of materials)
Only those parameter formulations are available in ANSYS/MECHANICAL which can be assigned to a
lot of materials ( material dependent damping
i
)
large amount of materials
only certain damping mechanisms
can be used (material dependent
damping and element damping)
parameter of the damping model
is used as adjustment parameter

Figure 16: damping mechanisms in ANSYS
Global mass damping
Global structural damping
Global constant damping
element damping
Material depending structural damping
in an energetic view.





3.2.10 MACRO in APDL
To incorporate these aspects into the calculation and using frequency dependent material parameters
an external Macro in APDL is created for these calculations.
This external Macro in APDL allows to formulate the material parameters as frequency dependent
functions as well as to use simply material dependent constant damping.

Iteration process of external macro (Ansys APDL language)
allows for
- application of material parameter functions (redefining and remeshing)
- constant damping ratio for different materials
- to choose linear or logarithmic frequency spacing



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4. Examples
We want to go into details showing 2 examples of determining material parameters by correlation.

4.1. material parameter correlation of cone membrane
In this example the frequency dependent material parameter of different paper cones is determined by
use of correlation.


Theoretical response curve known from
measurements. [1] [2]
( see point 4.1.1 )
in the static case correlation with force-excursion
measurements are performed (3D deformation of
cone )
( see point 4.1.2 )
In the upper frequency range 3kHz to 10 kHz
resonances of the cone are used for correlation.
( in this frequency range the cone does not vibrate
as a rigid poston cone break up region )
( see point 4.1.3 )

Figure 16: frequ.depending E of paper cone
Force-excurs. theory
Cone res.
3.
2.
1.

4.1.1 theoretical response curve
Theoretic response curve from measurements
by Becker and Oberst on Polyvinylchlorid [1] [2]
Fig. 17

The absolute values of the E-module function depends
Abbildung 17: E-Module Polyvinylchlorid
on the softening temperature of the material used.
In principle there is a continuos raising function with
temperature.





4.1.2 static case force-excursion correlation
In the static case correlation with force-excursion measurements are performed.(3D deformation of
cone Fig. 18a,b,c,d

in the static case the Youngs modulus E is determined by correlation with force-excursion
measurements
this correlation is a replacement for static push/pull measurement done with special tailored, flat
samples.
the advantage of the correlation is that the initial sample is used.













Figure 18a:
measurement
Figure 18b:
modelling
Figure 18c:
simulation
Figure 18d: correlation
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4.1.3 dynamic case cone resonance correlation
The definition of the cone material parameter in the dynamic case at higher frequencies ( 3 kHz to 10
kHz )is done by correlation with cone resonances. For this case a special sample is created with
removed surround and the dust cup replaced by a massive part. So the relevant materials remained
are the cone and the glue to the voice coil. In this upper frequency range the cone does not vibrate as
a rigid piston. So a multitude of resonances are created ( cone break up modes ). Fig. 19a,b


Figure 19b: cone resonances

Figure 19a:
special sample loudspeaker
(with no surround )
No surround.











4.1.3 comparison with DMTA measurement
Comparison of the correlation results(Fig. 20a) of two cone paper materials with DMTA measurements
Fig. 20b show a clear correspondence of the static values (0Hz or 1Hz) at a temperature of 27 C.
Also the tendency of the frequency dependency towards higher frequency is represented in a
corresponding behaviour towards low temperatures in the DMTA measurement.


Figure 20a:
Determine E-Modulus by correlation

Figure 20b:
DMTA measurement of E-modulus at 1Hz
2.9 GPa 2.2 GPa
0.54 GPa
0.95 GPa
0.56 GPa
1.01 GPa












4.2. dome tweeter frequency response calculation
Dome Tweeter loudspeaker for high frequency reproduction require a very exact modelling due to the
fact that the sound pressure frequency response SPL shows high sensitivity concerning a variation of
geometric data.
Two procedures are possible either to use one frequency response and detect the frequency range
where the specific parameter acts upon or to use multiple sample type results using the same
materials (consistent set type of parameter).



Figure 21b: single frequency
4.1.3 Single frequency response topology
sensitivity analysis of material parameters
on the frequency response. Fig. 21a,b


Figure 11a: dome







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4.2.2 multi frequency response topology
Sensitivity analysis of material parameter on a multitude of frequency responses of different sample
types using the same materials. The changed geometry shapes of the dome membrane and the
changed acoustic wave guide in front of the transducer create a completely different frequency
response behaviour. The effects of the material parameters on those responses is also different.These
different target response curves allow to identify the correct set of parameters

Tweeter with wave guide 1. Fig. 22a,b
Tweeter with wave guide 2. Fig. 23a,b

Figure 22b:
Tweeter without wave guide. Fig. 24a,b

Figure 22a:








Figure 23b:


Figure 23a:









Figure 24b:

Figure 24a:






Conclusions

The Problems arising with the design of Loudspeakers can be solved with Ansys FEM simulations.
Also the specific formulations of frequency dependent material parameters can be implemented in
Ansys to adapt to the requirements of loudspeaker Simulations.
The definition and correlation of material parameters is the most time consuming part of the
simulations. Once these parameters are defined the performance of the loudspeaker, the geometric
design, the material choice, tolerance considerations, the weight and the related costs could be
optimised (minimised).
This is a much more time saving and cost optimised procedure of adoption to the required
performance than to build a huge amount of samples.

References
[1] Becker G.W., Oberst H..: "Frequency dependent material parameter of Polyvinylchlorid,Kolloid
Zeitschrift 148, 1956, pp. 6
[2] Cremer L., Heckel M.: "Krperschall", Springer Verlag, 1996, pp 224

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International Congress Kultur- und Congress Centrum Graf-Zeppelin-Haus,
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