An experimental evaluation of individual partition segment configurations for the active control of sound transmission

Abstract

Lightweight partitions segmented into discretely actuated subsections with mutual interstices and compliant suspensions have been proposed for active sound transmission control (ASTC). In this work, experimental efforts are undertaken to explore important active and passive characteristics of two partition segment models under normal-incidence excitation. The control objective for the configurations is to actively minimize the normal vibration of their transmitting surfaces—instead of an acoustic field quantity in the receiving space. For this functional strategy to be effective, experiments affirm the importance of efficiently and simultaneously controlling vibrations of transmitting subpanels, suspensions, and interstices to achieve high transmission loss. Distinct segment configurations and control schemes allow varying degrees of global transmitting surface vibration control. However, one configuration tested has been theoretically shown to produce efficient control of its various transmitting surfaces using simple control schemes. Measurements confirm that it also provides exceptionally high transmission loss over a broad frequency range—including very low frequencies. a)Currently at Crown International, 1718 W. Mishawaka Rd., Elkhart, IN 46515-1000.