Numerical investigation of the effect of distributed heat sources on heat-to-sound conversion in a T-shaped thermoacoustic system

•The effect of distributed heat sources on heat-to-sound conversion in a T-shaped system is studied.•Nonlinearity is identified in the heat fluxes and flow reversal is observed.•Three critical parameters are identified and examined.•60dB sound pressure level reduction is achieved by implementing addition heat sources.•Rayleigh index is determined as an indicator of the heat-to-sound coupling.