Optimization of a diffuser geometry using parametric modeling tools and finite-difference time-domain simulations

Abstract

This paper presents an approach for optimizing a diffuser geometry using parametric modeling tools and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) acoustic simulations. Geometries are automatically generated based on a set of parameters using the modeling software Rhinoceros and its tightly integrated graphical algorithm editor Grasshopper. Scattered polar responses are then predicted using room acoustic FDTD simulations. The simulation results are analyzed in terms of the uniformity of the scattering produced by the diffusing surface. Finally, an optimization algorithm is used to define a new set of geometry parameters at each iteration. The entire process iterates until reaching the most uniform scattered polar distribution across all receiver and source positions. Such an approach can be used to facilitate and speed up the design process of diffusers that can provide a good trade-off between performance and relatively simple geometry.