An acoustical investigation of partial perforation in jute fiber composite panel

Abstract

This study aims to develop a novel acoustic panel that constitutes more natural fiber rather than a resin matrix, and the effect of perforation depth in the composite panel is investigated. Jute fiber-reinforced composite panels undergo partial perforation using a tapping machine of depth 7.5 mm, 15 mm, and 22.5 mm to the total thickness of 30 mm. The samples are tested experimentally in an impedance tube and sound transmission loss test setup to evaluate the acoustic capabilities for the frequency range of 100–1600 Hz. For validation, the intrinsic parameters are predicted from experimental sound absorption data using the inverse characterization technique. Insight of application aspect, the panel is modeled to be present in a rectangular acoustical cavity and analyzed numerically in COMSOL Multiphysics. The impedance tube test results indicate that the peak of the sound absorption coefficient increases with increases of perforation depth. Similarly, perforation depth influences the transmission loss of the panel, and significant results noticed. The use of a jute panel in rectangular enclosure results in a 3–6 dB reduction in the overall sound pressure level of one-third octave frequencies.