Enhancing railway noise reduction through advanced multilayer acoustic absorbent systems with tunable resonators

Abstract

Railway noise poses a significant environmental challenge, prompting the need for effective mitigation strategies. In response, noise barriers are often employed to reduce noise near railways. This research focuses on the use of porous materials, more specifically porous concrete, for acoustic absorption, particularly in the context of railway noise reduction. A novel approach is proposed, wherein porous multilayer metamaterial systems are developed, with each layer's macroscopic parameters strategically optimized to enhance the overall sound absorption curve. Additionally, to broaden the frequency range of noise attenuation, tunable resonators are seamlessly integrated into the multilayer system. The analytical framework for analyzing both the multilayer system and resonators involves employing equivalent fluid models and the analytical transfer matrix method. Linear regressions were employed to establish relationships between porosity, density, and other macroscopic parameters, enabling the derivation of the sound absorption curve solely from these parameters. Through systematic optimization and integration of resonators, it is expected that, the proposed approach demonstrates significant advancements in railway noise reduction efficacy across a wide frequency range. This research aims to contribute to the development of more efficient and versatile acoustic absorbent systems for mitigating railway noise pollution.