Determination of optimal exciter deployment for panel speakers using the genetic algorithm

Abstract

A large multi-exciter panel speaker has been constructed in this work. In order to achieve the best design, an optimization procedure using the genetic algorithm (GA) has been developed. A total numerical model was first established for simulation, where the electrical system, the mechanical system, and the acoustical coupling in the panel speaker are accounted for within a coupled framework. Performance indices including the frequency response, the sound power, and the directional response are calculated. The simulation model also serves as the basis for the optimal design that aims at achieving omni-directional responses at high efficiencies. A GA-based optimization scheme was exploited to search for the positions of exciters and the delays of input signals which render the optimal performance. The optimal design was verified by experimental investigations. The results indicate that the optimal configuration indeed produced better performance in terms of efficiency and omni-directionality than the non-optimal one. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.