Abstract: An exhaust system includes first and second exhaust pipes each of which has an upstream end communicating with an engine and a downstream end. The exhaust pipes are of different lengths. A length equalizer includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe disposed within the outer pipe. Once end of the inner pipe communicates with a space between the inner and outer pipes. The longer of the two exhaust pipes communicates with the space between the inner and outer pipes of the length equalizer. The shorter of the two exhaust pipes communicates directly with the inner pipe of the length equalizer. The distance between the downstream end of the longer exhaust pipe and the inner end of the inner pipe of the length equalizer is substantially equal to the difference in length between the longer and shorter exhaust pipes.

Abstract: An exhaust system includes first and second exhaust pipes each of which has an upstream end communicating with an engine and a downstream end. The exhaust pipes are of different lengths. A length equalizer includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe disposed within the outer pipe. Once end of the inner pipe communicates with a space between the inner and outer pipes. The longer of the two exhaust pipes communicates with the space between the inner and outer pipes of the length equalizer. The shorter of the two exhaust pipes communicates directly with the inner pipe of the length equalizer. The distance between the downstream end of the longer exhaust pipe and the inner end of the inner pipe of the length equalizer is substantially equal to the difference in length between the longer and shorter exhaust pipes.

Abstract: An exhaust muffler includes upper and lower external shells that are formed from metal material. A heat shield is disposed in the muffler adjacent the upper external shell. The heat shield is formed from a high-density fiber insulation pad configured to nest with the concave inner surface of the upper external shell.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing deformations that will achieve an optimum reduction in vibration related noise in an exhaust system component. The method entails defining an initial shape for an exhaust system component based on available space and exhaust flow characteristics. The shape is converted to a mesh having a plurality of interconnected grids. The mesh then is deformed to define an optimal theoretical configuration for the exhaust system component that will eliminate at least selected natural frequencies. The resulting shape then is converted to a plurality of small flat surfaces that intersect, and a point cloud is created from the array of small flat intersecting surfaces of the optimal theoretical exhaust system component. The point cloud is employed to smooth out intersecting surfaces and to achieve an optimal manufacturable configuration for the exhaust system component.

Abstract: An exhaust muffler includes upper and lower external shells that are formed from metal material. A heat shield is disposed in the muffler adjacent the upper external shell. The heat shield is formed from a high-density fiber insulation pad configured to nest with the concave inner surface of the upper external shell.

Abstract: A simulation testing system and method for testing an automobile system or component(s) such as an exhaust system (14) comprises first and second multi-axis simulation tables. One part of the exhaust system is supported by one of the tables with another part being supported by the other table. Each table includes hydraulic actuators (8) capable of imparting motion to the tables in a number of directions. The tables are independent from each other so that the motion imparted to one table can be distinct and separately controlled from that motion imparted to the other table. By arranging the tables so that the motions can vary between the two tables, more realistic simulation testing can be performed on the system or component being tested.

Abstract: A method is provided for designing deformations that will achieve an optimum reduction in vibration related noise in an exhaust system component. The method comprises defining an initial shape for an exhaust system component based on available space and exhaust flow characteristics. The shape is converted to a mesh having a plurality of interconnected grids. The mesh then is deformed to define an optimal theoretical configuration for the exhaust system component that will eliminate at least selected natural frequencies. The resulting shape then is converted to a plurality of small flat surfaces that intersect, and a point cloud is created from the array of small flat intersecting surfaces of the optimal theoretical exhaust system component. The point cloud is employed to smooth out intersecting surfaces and to achieve an optimal manufacturable configuration for the exhaust system component.