What is a resonator exactly? Is it necessary to have one? Are they the same as mufflers?
A lot goes on in a vehicle’s exhaust system. There are many parts to carry out all myriad of functions. Further, modern vehicles are more sophisticated. They come with elaborative components in all the systems that make an engine run.
A resonator is a vital part of an engine’s exhaust system. It changes the engine’s noise to something more pleasant.
Resonators cut out droning noises, unpleasant pitches, and harsh tones. Thus, it complements the pleasant sound of the vehicle.
What Is A Resonator?
A resonator is a device in the engine’s exhaust system that changes the exhaust noise. It is fixed between the engine’s catalytic converter and the muffler.
The muffler will further reduce the sound level. Hence, people sometimes refer to it as a pre-muffler.
What Is A Resonator’s Function?
Resonators look like mufflers even though they are different. The same applies to their functions.
The primary function of a resonator is to fine-tune the sound waves coming out of the exhaust. The pulses are usually more unpleasant, and a resonator will organize them.
This will help in improving the efficiency and power of the vehicle. Also, it delivers the distinctive sound of your engine. Resonators give the signature sounds of cars, whether it is a pick-up, Nissan, or a Ferrari.
A resonator cancels out a range of sound frequencies coming out of the exhaust. Sound comes out in the form of waves, and they will be in different frequencies.
If two sound waves have the same frequencies, they cancel one another when they meet. So, resonators can cancel out particular frequencies of sound that are unpleasant.
Automotive sound engineers build it to remove unwanted sound frequencies. Their sole function is to let out only the pleasant noise. This way, resonators tune out only the rhythmic noise.
How Does A Resonator Function?
Now that you know what is a resonator, we need to know how it functions. As the name suggests, it works by resonating. A resonator prepares the sound waves before they reach the muffler. It is followed by the muffler quickly silencing it.
Unlike mufflers, resonators do not remove the excessive noise, they change it instead. This is because engineers design resonators to tune the noise to be as pleasant as possible. Nonetheless, it is necessary to make a vehicle quieter, which mufflers can do.
This function will slow down the vehicle since mufflers are highly restrictive. So car manufacturers install resonators to avoid these problems.
They tune the sound waves before it reaches the muffler. This will reduce the muffler’s effect on efficiency, mileage, and performance.
A resonator basically functions as an echo chamber, improving the engine’s exhaust sounds. It will allow the engine to generate as much power as possible while reducing the noise levels. Acoustic engineers design resonators to ensure they can perfectly tune the notes.
The exhaust sound waves contain sound waves of high and low frequencies. These sound waves bounce back and forth in the pipe, and they change their direction of travel. So, car designers put a resonator after the catalytic convertor. If your catalytic convertor is creating problems, fixing a catalytic convertor is simple and you can do it yourself.
Resonators give space for the sound waves to bounce around and cancel each other out. This means there will loud noises coming out of the resonators. Yet, it is far better than a straight pipe.
Types Of Resonators
There is more than one type of resonator that car manufacturers usually use. So, here are some of the common types of resonators that can alter your vehicle’s sound.
Chambered Resonators
Chambered resonators have many cavities in them that come in various sizes. These cavities cancel the sound waves that come out of the engine, and they create a buzz.
Also, these resonators work differently with different types of engines and mufflers. Some people call this type of resonator Helmholtz resonator.
Expansion Resonators
These are some of the most efficient resonators as they are simple in functioning and design. Besides, they come in many efficient tube diameters.
Once the sound waves enter the system:
- They enter the tube in expansion resonators
- Then, they bounce off each other
- Cancel each other out inside the tube
- Result is a decreased frequency in the noise waves
Dissipative Resonators
Dissipative resonators are one of the most commonly used resonators. It comes with fiberglass or metal packaging that can absorb sound waves from the exhaust.
They use various types of materials for packaging as long as they are flexible and soft. They have further classifications. The ones that come with a louvered core and without a core.
Final Words
We hope this article answered your question, what is a resonator. Resonators control your vehicle’s sound quality by preventing obnoxious noises.
Not all cars need a resonator, yet they are very useful. Nonetheless, they increase the chances of your vehicle clearing the emissions inspection.
