Comparison between fabric frictional sound parameters and wearers’ subjective auditory sensibility of PCM-treated combat uniforms

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to measure the frictional sounds of three different concentration (0, 8, 16 %) of PCM-treated combat uniform fabrics, and then, to analyze correlation between the SPL and stiffness. Also, it aims to fabricate three combat uniform garment prototypes, and wearing them, to conduct subjective auditory sensibilities evaluation, and finally, to investigate the relationship between subjective sensibilities and frictional sound properties. For measuring sound parameters of fabrics, the generator simulating body movement (4th generation) was used. And then, for evaluating subjective auditory sensibility, the questionnaire was developed to the 5 pairs of adjectives. It was observed that all sound properties except for Fluctuation strength(Z) increased according to PCM concentration increased, and the relationship between SPL and stiffness showed positive correlation, significantly. Finally, Sharp-Smooth and Awkward-Comfort sensibilities showed the differences among PCM concentrations significantly, and the results showed generally negative relationships between SPL, Loudness(Z) and Loud-Quiet, Roughness(Z) and Rough-Soft. Also, SPL and Loudness(Z) correlated to Unpleasant-Pleasant, and Sharp-Smooth had a negative correlation with Sharpness(Z), significantly. Thus, they showed similar tendencies between objective sound parameters measured by fabric frictional simulator and the results of subjective auditory sensibilities of wearers.