Optimal design of fibrous materials for sound absorption

Abstract

Fibrous materials, which are typical porous materials, play a crucial role in noise control and improving sound quality in the building and automotive industries. Researchers have extensively investigated the acoustic properties of fibrous materials, including both natural and synthetic fibers. Additionally, various numerical and semi-phenomenological models have been employed to accurately predict their acoustic properties. Despite the existence of accurate models, most research on the acoustic properties of fibrous materials has been experiment-oriented. Furthermore, very few studies have focused on reliable and straightforward approaches to optimize these properties and guide the preparation process of fibrous materials. This work aims to develop a robust optimization approach for single-layer and multi-layer fibrous materials by combining numerical optimization methods with numerical and semi-phenomenological acoustic models. The ultimate goal of this optimization approach is to provide designed parameters for fabricating fibrous materials with excellent sound absorption properties. To validate and refine the optimization approach, the fabricated fibrous materials will be thoroughly measured.