Effect of density and thickness on sound absorption performance of flexible porous material-aerogel

Abstract

Abstract Aerogel is recognized for its effective sound absorption capabilities, which contribute to its widespread application in reducing vibrations and noise. Consequently, it is often employed as a sound-absorbing material in various settings, including industrial machinery and the construction sector. In this research, we conducted an experimental analysis and employed standing wave tube testing to evaluate the sound absorption coefficient of aerogel. The investigation specifically focused on the impact of density and thickness on the sound absorption performance of aerogel. Through this process, we established the optimal structural parameters for aerogel to maximize its sound absorption efficiency. The study’s findings indicate that the sound absorption coefficient of aerogel sees a swift rise as its density increases from 0.4g/cm3 to 0.7g/cm3, with a subsequent deceleration in the rate of increase beyond the 0.7g/cm3 threshold. Concerning thickness, the sound absorption coefficient also experiences a rapid increase as the aerogel’s thickness is below 20mm, after which the rate of increase diminishes for thicknesses above 20mm. By considering both sound absorption performance and economic optimization, the research identifies a density of 0.7g/cm3 and a thickness of 20mm as the optimal parameters for achieving the best sound absorption with aerogel.