Low-frequency noise control using layered granular aerogel and limp porous media

Abstract

The acoustic absorption of granular aerogel layers with a granule sizes in the range of 2 to 40 μm is dominated by narrow-banded, high absorption regions in the low-frequency range and by reduced absorption values at higher frequencies. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of developing new, low-frequency noise reduction materials by layering granular aerogels with traditional porous sound absorbing materials such as glass fibers. The acoustic behavior of the layered configurations is predicted using the arbitrary coefficient method, wherein the granular aerogel layers are modeled as an equivalent poro-elastic material while the fibrous media and membrane are modeled as limp media. The analytical predictions are verified using experimental measurements conducted using the normal incidence, two-microphone impedance tube method. Our results show that layered configurations including granular aerogels, fibrous materials, and limp membranes provide enhanced sound absorption properties that can be tuned for specific noise control applications over a broad frequency range.