A silencer for connection to the air intake of a machine such as a
turbocharger compressor. The silencer comprises a housing containing a
plurality of axially spaced annular noise attenuating baffles. Each baffle
has an outer circumference and an inner circumference defining a central
aperture, the central apertures of each baffle collectively defining an
axial outlet flow passage to an outlet aperture.
The baffles define a series of axially spaced generally annular partial
flow passages such that air flowing through the silencer is initially
split and then merges into the axial outlet passage. Each of the annular
flow passages curves radially inwards from its outer to its inner
circumference in a direction towards the axial. Additionally, or
alternatively, the dimensions of the annular partial flow passages vary so
that the velocity of air flow through the passages is greater for passages
closer to the axial outlet aperture.
