Tweeter Dome and Waveguide Shape Optimization

Application ID: 89631


A tweeter is a high frequency driver used in loudspeaker systems. An ideal tweeter will produce a constant sound pressure level at a given distance in front of the driver independently of frequency, that is, a flat response. Ideally the tweeter will also, to a certain degree, maintain this flat response when the listening point is moved off axis. The complex interactions between the dome breakup and the beaming are inherent to the loudspeaker driver design. This in turn introduces deviations from the ideal radiation characteristics.

This tutorial presents an example of shape optimization of the dome and the waveguide of the tweeter. By changing the shape of these two components, it is possible to tune the cone breakup and beaming effect so that the two cancel out through the frequency range and create an speaker that is closer to an ideal tweeter. The optimized design presents a flatter response curve through the range of frequencies and as well as improves the radiation pattern. This demonstrateses the possibilities of optimization for these types of vibroacoustic problems.

This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products: