Sound Absorption Efficiency Research Articles

Preparation of lamellar-structured carboxymethyl cellulose aerogels for efficient sound absorption

Preparation of lamellar-structured carboxymethyl cellulose aerogels for efficient sound absorption

Inverse-designed acoustic metasurfaces for broadband sound absorption

Acoustic metasurfaces are widely used for noise attenuation due to their outstanding acoustic performance and subwavelength characteristics. The paper introduces a topology-optimized inverse design approach for broadband sound-absorbing metasurfaces, aiming to achieve efficient sound absorption performance across a wide frequency spectrum. By integrating genetic algorithms with the finite element method and driven by objectives such as the absorption frequency range and absorption coefficient, we can transcend the limitations of manual design and fully exploit the design potential of structures. Furthermore, the study investigates the sound absorption mechanism and thermal-viscous dissipation through finite element simulations and experimental validations. The research findings reveal that the proposed broadband sound-absorbing metasurfaces demonstrate excellent sound absorption capabilities across the designated frequency range, boasting an average sound absorption coefficient exceeding 85%. These findings offer fresh perspectives and methodologies for advancing the research and practical application of broadband sound-absorbing metasurfaces.

Development and analysis of Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticle-infused sisal fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composites for high-performance sound absorption and thermal insulation applications

In the current study, sisal fiber-reinforced hybrid composites have been developed by integrating a bidirectional mat with a blend of epoxy using Fe-doped ZnO (IDZO) nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 wt%. Hand-lay-up approach was used to create the composites. The composites were characterized through a comprehensive analysis of their density, water absorption, elasticity, thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical resistance, thermal conductivity, microhardness, and propagation of sound properties, including sound absorption coefficients and sound transmission class ratings. As filler loading increased, the bio-composite sample’s hardness increased under the density and void volume fraction values, with 0.8 wt% composite sample showing the superior micro-hardness. A positive correlation was observed between the ZnO nanoparticle weight percentage and thermal conductivity, with improve nanoparticle content leading to improved thermal performance. Composites containing 0.4 wt percent nanoparticles showed superior tensile strength (66.8–84.16 MPa), flexural strength (97.69–120.02 MPa) and flexural modulus (3.56–7.68 GPa). It has been observed that the weight percentage of IDZO filler greatly influences the sound absorption efficiency of the current composites. These findings highlight the promising potential of these novel biocomposites in advanced engineering applications, emphasizing their usefulness in demanding environments with biodegradability and high-performance thermal, mechanical, and acoustic properties. Based on the sound transmission class ratings, the sisal fiber biocomposites have been regarded as great adoptions for use as sound-absorbing materials such as wall partitions, doors, enclosures, and structural components, thermal insulation systems, and electrical insulation.

Study on the effect of thickness on sound absorption performance of foam aluminum

Abstract This paper investigates the effects of different thicknesses on the sound absorption performance of foam aluminum with different pore sizes through a combination of experiments and theoretical research. The results show that the average sound absorption coefficient of small-pore foam aluminum increases with increasing material thickness. As the thickness increases, there is a trend of the peak sound absorption performance shifting towards lower frequencies. In the mid-frequency range, although the sound absorption coefficient increases with the thickness of foam aluminum, the growth rate decreases. The average sound absorption coefficient of large-pore foam aluminum significantly increases with the material thickness and is reflected across various frequency ranges. With the increase in thickness, the sound absorption efficiency also improves, but the rate of improvement gradually slows down after reaching a certain thickness. Samples with the same thickness exhibit different performances in sound absorption coefficient, especially in frequencies above 2000Hz, where these differences are more pronounced. In the high-frequency range, the sound absorption coefficient of 100mm-thick large-pore foam aluminum material approaches 1, approximately 0.95.

Unprecedented mechanical wave energy absorption observed in multifunctional bioinspired architected metamaterials

In practical engineering, noise and impact hazards are pervasive, indicating the pressing demand for materials that can absorb both sound and stress wave energy simultaneously. However, the rational design of such multifunctional materials remains a challenge. Herein, inspired by cuttlebone, we present bioinspired architected metamaterials with unprecedented sound-absorbing and mechanical properties engineered via a weakly-coupled design. The acoustic elements feature heterogeneous multilayered resonators, whereas the mechanical responses are based on asymmetric cambered cell walls. These metamaterials experimentally demonstrated an average absorption coefficient of 0.80 from 1.0 to 6.0 kHz, with 77% of the data points exceeding the desired 0.75 threshold, all with a compact 21 mm thickness. An absorptance-thickness map is devised for assessing the sound-absorption efficiency. The high-fidelity microstructure-based model reveals the air friction damping mechanism, with broadband behavior attributed to multimodal hybrid resonance. Empowered by the cambered design of cell walls, metamaterials shift catastrophic failure toward a progressive deformation mode characterized by stable stress plateaus and ultrahigh specific energy absorption of 50.7 J/g—a 558.4% increase over the straight-wall design. After the deformation mechanisms are elucidated, a comprehensive research framework for burgeoning acousto-mechanical metamaterials is proposed. Overall, our study broadens the horizon for multifunctional material design.

Study on low-mid-frequency broadband sound absorption properties of bending acoustic metamaterials with embedded porous materials

With the rapid development of the traffic industry, noise issues are becoming increasingly serious, and the traditional noise control technologies have the problems of poor low-frequency noise absorption and narrow bandwidth. This study proposes a variable-section bending acoustic metamaterial with an embedded porous material (VS_BAMP). A theoretical model of the VS_BAMP unit is developed based on the Johnson-Champoux-Allard (JCA) model and the impedance transfer method. The sound absorption unit with a thickness of 48 mm exhibits a quasi-perfect (α = 0.98) at 736 Hz, and an efficient sound absorption (α > 0.8) in the range of 574 Hz–966 Hz. Based on the complex frequency plane method, this work designs sound absorption units that exhibit perfect sound absorption at discrete frequencies. By connecting two different absorption units (PVS_BAMP) in parallel, efficient sound absorption from 424 Hz to 1500 Hz is achieved. Finally, the accuracy of the theoretical model is verified by experiments and simulations, confirming the effective sound absorption of PVS_BAMP structure in the middle and low frequency bands. The prepared PVS_BAMP is highly adjustable, has a wide bandwidth, and can be prepared through a simple manufacturing process. Our results can provide a theoretical basis for the design of compact low-mid-frequency broadband noise reduction structures for practical application.

The influence of surface properties on the cooperative behavior of powdered milks

This study comprehensively analyses various powdered milk samples to elucidate their structural, surface, and mechanical properties. Through detailed examination, diverse characteristics among the samples were observed, shedding light on their behavior under different conditions. Notably, findings reveal intriguing insights into surface energy profiles, Harkins spreading coefficient, powder rheological properties, and sound absorption efficiency of the powdered milk samples. The intricate relationship between surface properties and bulk characteristics influenced the cooperative behavior of freely poured and consolidated milk powder beds, resulting in varying flowability from free-flowing to cohesive. Surface energy played a significant role in cohesiveness and dispersibility, with milk fat acting as a key mediator leading to changes in bulk dynamic-mechanical stiffness. These findings hold practical implications for formulating innovative aerosol-based dairy and cosmetic products, thereby enhancing everyday experiences.

Low-frequency broadband acoustic metamaterial absorber based on nested resonator and synergistic coupled weak resonances

Utilizing absorbers with sub-wavelength thickness for low-frequency broadband noise control is a challenging problem, and rapid on-demand design of structures based on target noise frequency has received continuous attention. In this work, nested cavities are introduced into the typical neck-embedded Helmholtz resonator (NEHR) to obtain the nested neck-embedded Helmholtz resonator (NNEHR), which exhibits better cavity partitioning volume fraction and covers wider sound absorption band. Both theoretical analysis and simulations demonstrate that NNEHR possesses superior acoustic properties: generating an additional absorption peak, lowering the position of the first absorption peak by 11 %, and increasing the absorption coefficient by 4.7 %. Instantaneous velocity fields and thermal-viscous energy dissipation density illustrate that the efficient sound absorption of NNEHR originates from resonant dissipation in the neck and surrounding areas. Furthermore, by combining the theoretical model with genetic algorithms, three sets of NNEHR metasurfaces are optimized. The optimized structures achieve average absorption coefficients of 0.831, 0.913, and 0.885 in the range of 250–550 Hz, 400–1000 Hz, and 500–2000 Hz, with a thickness of only 50 mm, reflecting sub-wavelength, low-frequency broadband sound absorption characteristics. The excellent absorption stems from synergistic coupled weak resonances and higher-order absorption peaks of constituent units, and the overdamping characteristic ensures the realization of the optimal structure with minimal thickness. The contribution of weak resonant units to the total sound absorption performance can be measured by the surface admittance normalized by the total incident area, and the essence of the coupling effect is the strong interaction between units with adjacent absorbing frequencies. The proposed structure exhibits good sound absorption performance and great adjustability, while the genetic algorithm optimization based on the theoretical model demonstrates high efficiency and robustness, providing a methodology for the design and on-demand optimization of low-frequency broadband structures.

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

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.

Preparation of PPA based composite reinforcing with glass beads and clays: Investigation of sound absorbing

The research investigates the sound absorption properties of potassium polyacrylate (PPA) composites, particularly those augmented with clay and porous hollow glass beads within a hydrogel template. This unique material combination shows promise for efficient sound absorption, relevant in industries requiring effective noise control like acoustic engineering and construction. Experimental assessment focused on measuring the sound absorption coefficient, crucial for quantifying a material’s ability to absorb sound energy across various frequencies. Incorporating clay and porous hollow glass beads introduces complexities, emphasizing the need for precise acoustic performance prediction. Collected data from sound absorption coefficient measurements formed the basis for training an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. Leveraging the ANN’s pattern recognition capabilities, the model learned from diverse composite compositions, enabling accurate prediction of sound absorption coefficients for varying material compositions. This predictive model streamlines material design, offering a systematic approach to tailor composite acoustic characteristics. Integration of machine learning, particularly ANNs, enhances accuracy and expedites material design and optimization, contributing to innovative and customizable sound-absorbing materials for diverse industrial applications.

Acoustics characterization of reinforced composite for noise reduction

These days, noise pollution is becoming worse due to the faster globalisation of nations, and its effects on human health go beyond hearing impairment. As a result, effective noise pollution control methods are needed. Use a composite reinforced with natural fibres for acoustical purposes. Natural fiber-reinforced composites have several benefits, such as being inexpensive, simple to produce, and eco-friendly. Additionally, natural fibre improves composite sound absorption, structural stability, and mechanical durability. The methods for assessing the acoustical properties of composites improved by natural fibres are described in the paper. Acoustical measures, such as sound transmission losses and absorption efficiency, are also evaluated. This work also examines a factor that influences the mechanical and acoustical properties of composites reinforced with natural fibres. The variables that determine the outcome include the fiber’s characteristics, density, sample thickness, porosity, adhesive material, and filler substance. Increases in the percentage of fibre weight, binder material, and filler material improve the durability and sound absorption of natural fiber-reinforced composites.

Sound Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Metal Powder Chamber Structures Composite Materials Formed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Granular damping technology is a widely used method in aerospace and other industries to reduce vibration and noise. However, the technique still faces challenges such as secondary processing, additional structure, single structure, and residual stress. This article introduces a new composite material, the metal powder chamber structure (MPCS), formed through the laser powder bed fusion technology. The article explores the effects of factors like arrangement mode, volume fraction, and powder chamber diameter on the sound and mechanical properties of MPCS. The study shows that MPCS improves the sound insulation effect of the material and defies the mass law of sound insulation. The sample 4B40 using a body‐centered cubic arrangement has a sound insulation coefficient of 52 dB. The sound absorption efficiency curve presents a double peak, and the sample 6F60 exhibits the highest sound absorption efficiency of 0.76. MPCS changes the deformation stage of the material stress–strain curve, and different MPCS also alters the compression deformation mode of the composite material. By studying the effects of MPCS on sound and mechanical properties, it is hoped to provide a better and more sustainable solution for vibration and noise reduction.

Theory and inverse design of microperforated panels comprising arbitrary axial pore profiles for broadband low-frequency sound absorption

Toward identifying efficient sound absorbers, we have formulated and analyzed the micro-perforated panels (MPPs) comprising cylindrical pores of arbitrary axial profiles for out-of-plane wave propagation. First, the forward problem was solved wherein an exact analytical expression for the absorption coefficient α was developed for these MPPs. The dependence of α was analyzed for various profiles comprising convex and concave-shaped sections including divergent and convergent linear and sinusoidal profiles, conic sections, Kilroy, and chirp shapes. The MPPs with pores having a diverging shape at the entrance were found to have higher sound absorption. The non-symmetric fluctuations in the profile led to fluctuations in the spectrum of α. Aiming to address the long-standing challenge of low-frequency sound absorption, we solved the inverse problem to identify the axial profile of the cylindrical pore for maximum sound absorption for frequencies up to 2500 Hz. Given the advances in additive manufacturing, the results of this comprehensive work help in designing MPPs comprising complex-shaped pores suitable for a particular spectral regime.

Acoustic Performance of Porous Mortar and Potential Use for Traffic Noise Mitigation: A Review

Porous mortar (PM) is a porous building material used to reduce noise levels in economic emerging cities to achieve acoustic comfort. This research paper provides a comprehensive review of PM’s sound absorption performance as reported in selected published works. The selection criteria are limited to experiments conducted on specimens with a thickness ranging from 20 to 75 mm, a range suitable for application as a sound-absorbing layer on noise barriers or building walls. This paper explains the underlying principles of sound absorption in PM and outlining methods for assessing sound absorption. This review paper includes the performance of conventional or typical PM with modified PM, considering elements such as mix design and significant factors that influence sound absorption, notably material density, and pore size. Subsequently, this paper reveals on the evaluation of PM’s suitability as a sound-absorbing material, encompassing an assessment of its mechanical properties. In conclusion, the paper identifies the potential of PM as an efficient sound absorber, particularly in the context of mitigating traffic-generated noise.

Absorptive performance of layered metasurfaces using microslit panels

This work examines the effectiveness of layered metasurface arrangements, prioritizing space efficiency to create a broadband sound absorber. Innovative metasurfaces, including microslit panels with concentrated and coiled cavities, provide frequency-dependent absorptive properties. While these metasurfaces are independently known as efficient sound absorbers, single-layer microslit panel absorbers with a single cavity, in general, lack a wide effective bandwidth. In this work, theoretical models guide the effective creation of metastructures to achieve broadband absorption. These systems are then assembled and measured using an impedance tube to validate their acoustic performance. This paper discusses the formulation of the theoretical model, experimental validation of the model for layered absorbers, and the design specifications that can be met using various metasurface combinations.

Theoretical and experimental investigation on the sound absorption performance of ultra-thin curled acoustic metasurface

A simplified model of the absorption coefficient of traditional Helmholtz resonators (THR) was established, and the influence of different geometric parameters on the absorption coefficient of THR was analyzed. To realize the low-frequency broadband acoustic structure design, an accurate theoretical model for the sound absorption coefficient of the curled acoustic metasurface (CAM) unit was established. Based on the complex frequency plane method (CFPM), the CAM units with perfect sound absorption at four discrete frequencies were designed. The low-frequency broadband acoustic metasurfaces in parallel under decoupled and coupled conditions were studied, and the thickness is only 12 mm. The high efficiency of sound absorption above 0.8 was achieved in the frequency range of 758 Hz–940 Hz. The experiment verifies the efficient sound absorption effect of the CAM unit and the broadband sound absorption effect under coupled conditions. The research in this paper has a certain potential applications for low-frequency broadband noise control technology.

Thermal and acoustic characterization of nanofibrous polymeric structures for insulation applications

Nanofibrous structures are engineered materials for high-end applications. The impact of electrospinning settings on the thermal and acoustic properties of polyurethane (PU) nanofibrous structures is examined in this research. The excellent sound-absorbing properties of PU make it a versatile material that may be used in a variety of acoustic applications. The study focuses on how PU nanofiber morphology, such as fiber diameter and volume fraction, is affected by varying ambient conditions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are used to examine the stability and thermal behavior of PU nanofibers. The findings show that raising the fiber volume fraction improves thermal stability and changes the way PU nanofibers behave thermally. PU nanofiber webs provide efficient sound absorption in low and intermediate frequency ranges according to the study's analysis of the sound absorption coefficients. According to the results, PU nanofiber webs may offer novel approaches to noise control, especially in situations where acoustic panel insulation is needed with no weight penalty.

Study on the acoustic performance of bending metasurface with ultra-thin broadband quasi-perfect sound absorption

In order to achieve low-frequency broadband noise control under subwavelength thickness, this paper established a theoretical model for calculating the sound absorption coefficient of curled acoustic metasurface (CAM) composed of embedded hole, equal width curled channel, and gradient width curled channel, which is based on the thermal viscosity equivalent model and impedance equivalent model. Considering the over resistance effect caused by multi-unit composite structure, a multi-parameter control strategy was used to design bending acoustic metasurface (BAM) units for perfect sound absorption at four discrete frequencies of 546 Hz, 563 Hz, 585 Hz, and 601 Hz, which is based on the complex frequency plane method. and the thicknesses of these unites are only (1.2 cm). The broadband and efficient sound absorption effect of the four parallel composite BAM units was theoretically studied. The simulation and experiment verified that the composite BAM not only achieved perfect sound absorption at 573 Hz with a subwavelength thickness of 12 mm, but also had an efficient sound absorption(α > 0.8) frequency band of 512Hz-621Hz, with a bandwidth up to 109 Hz. The research in this paper provides a certain theoretical basis for the design of low-frequency broadband compact acoustic structures, and has certain reference value for low-frequency broadband noise control.

Numerical Simulation and Analysis of the Acoustic Properties of Bimodal and Modulated Macroporous Structures

In recent decades, cellular metallic materials have increasingly been used for control of reverberation and cutback. These materials offer a unique combination of expanded pores, high specific surfaces, improved structural performance, low weight, corrosion resistance at high temperatures, and a fixed/rigid pore network (i.e., at the boundaries, porosity does not change). This study examines the ability of sphere-packing models combined with numerical modelling and simulations to predict the acoustic properties of bimodal and modulated bottleneck-shaped macroporous structures that can realistically be achieved through liquid melts infiltration casting technique. The simulations show that porosity, openings, pore sizes and permeability of the material have significant effects on acoustics, and the predictions are consistent with experimental data substantiated in the literature. The modelling suggests that the creation of bimodal structures increases the capacity of the interstitial pores and pore contacts. The result is improved sound absorption properties and spectra, characterised by a pore volume fraction of 0.73 and a mean pore size to mean pore opening ratio of 4.8 for the 50% volume bimodal structure created at a 10 µm capillary radius. The importance of how pore structure-related parameters and existing fluid flow regimes can modulate the sound absorption performance of macroporous structures was revealed by numerical simulations of the sound absorption spectra for dual-porosity and dilated macroporous structures working from high-resolution tomography datasets. Sound absorption properties were optimised for structures having pore volume fractions between 0.68 and 0.76, maintaining the mean pore size to mean pore opening ratios between 4.0 and 6.0. Using this approach, enhanced and self-supporting macroporous structures may be designed and fabricated for efficient sound absorption in specific applications.

Modeling Acoustic Processes of the Interaction of Cells of Sound-Absorbing Structures of Aircraft Engines

Physical and mathematical numerical models have been developed to predict the effective acoustic properties of sound-absorbing honeycomb structures at sound pressure levels of 100 and 130 dB with normal sound wave incidence. The sound absorption coefficients and patterns of acoustic interactions of cells installed at the end of a cylindrical duct with normal sound wave incidence on them were studied by numerical mathematical and physical modeling. The sound absorption efficiency of single and groups of resonators of various shapes and sizes is estimated, and unique combinations of cells in groups are identified, taking into account their acoustic interactions. Representative samples of fragments of sound-absorbing structures were 3D-printed; laboratory tests of the samples were carried out with an interferometer with a normal sound wave incidence on the cells at a sound pressure level of 130 dB.