What Is an Exhaust Resonator?

What Is an Exhaust Resonator?

Internal combustion engines usually make a lot of noise while they are running, and this noise can be annoying and exhaustive to your ears, especially when it is heard for a long period of time. Thus, mufflers were created to reduce the noise generated by the exhaust system. Exhaust resonators, meanwhile, further reduce the noise by making sound waves that cancel noises out.

Structure

A typical automotive exhaust resonator is made of a hollow steel cylindrical tube and is attached to the muffler of an exhaust system. This type of resonator is designed similar to that of an acoustic resonator, which creates an “exhaust note” that gives the exhaust noise a less annoying and more pleasant tone. The sound can be enhanced by means of adjusting the exhaust note.

Function

Exhaust resonators are usually add-on features in exhaust systems. They are placed together with the mufflers along the exhaust pipe and work primarily to decrease exhaust noise. The exhaust noise passes through the resonating chamber, which in turn tunes the sound to cause destructive interference in order to be canceled out by the opposite sound waves.

Availability

Being an add-on device, exhaust resonators are provided by aftermarket manufacturers and can be installed on muffler systems of internal combustion systems, such as automobiles and motorcycles. Some vehicles already are equipped with tuned exhaust systems with resonators, thus making the exhaust pipes capable of pulling the combustion products out of the chamber faster with reduced sound. Most aftermarket producers improve the exhaust tuners, as these help the vehicle perform more efficiently.

Advantages

Exhaust resonators provide a wide array of benefits to vehicle owners. Aside from reducing the noise from the engine’s exhaust system, resonators also enhance overall engine performance and smoother driving because more horsepower is yielded without wasting as much fuel. Noise suppression also helps in passing fuel emission tests, as the resonator prevents chassis rattling, an effect that usually leads to contaminated fuel emissions.

Support

Aside from exhaust resonators, catalytic converters also are part of the overall exhaust system to help the muffler perform its function of reducing exhaust noise. However, instead of canceling out each other's sound waves, their effect is to restrict the sound coming out of the exhaust pipe. Catalytic converters work hand in hand with exhaust resonators in reducing and suppressing engine noise, thus allowing the vehicle to achieve optimum engine and driving performance as compared with using mufflers alone.

What Is the Function of the Exhaust System?

What Is the Function of the Exhaust System?

An exhaust system carries waste gases and other combustion products away from an automobile engine. It allows the vehicle to operate with minimal noise, smoke and pollution transmitted to the environment. A properly maintained exhaust system is essential to the clean and efficient operation of the car.

Function
For the internal combustion engine that drives trucks, cars and motorcycles, the exhaust system carries waste gases away from the engine and through a system of manifolds and pipes. The exhaust system is an essential part of a vehicle engine and must be kept in good working order, otherwise engine performance and mileage will suffer.

Exhaust Manifold
The exhaust manifold is the first component of the exhaust system. It comprises a stainless steel, aluminum or cast-iron unit that adjoins the engine's combustion cylinders and collects exhaust gases from the combustion process. Car enthusiasts have the option of detailing their engine with exhaust headers or extractors, which are a series of pipes that are individually linked to the cylinders. The exhaust is funneled into a collector that directs the exhaust to the secondary components of the exhaust system. This arrangement allows the engine to run more efficiently.

Mufflers
A system of exhaust pipes carries the exhaust gases through a muffler, which contains a series of baffles that damp the noise of the engine combustion and escaping gases. Without a muffler, the noise of combustion would escape directly from the exhaust pipe, creating a tremendous distraction for drivers and pedestrians. By law in all states, automobile mufflers must be in good working condition.

Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter completes the ignition of gases that have been incompletely burned within the engine's combustion chamber. The catalytic converter prevents pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides from escaping into the atmosphere. By law, the catalytic converter must be in good working condition, and many states require annual testing of this component to assure that the vehicle is emitting minimal pollutants into the atmosphere.

Tailpipe
The engine exhaust finally reaches the tailpipe, which is made of stainless steel or steel tubing. The exhaust pipe vents the gases behind or above the vehicle. Modern exhaust systems have reduced automobile pollutants by a considerable amount in the past few decades and have helped to reduce smog and other pollution in most large cities.