Sound Absorption Properties Research Articles

Multifunctional ANF/ CNT/FCIP aerogels with superior sound and electromagnetic wave absorption and mechanical properties

Aerogels exhibit bright prospect for multifunctional applications in noise reduction, radar stealth, load bearing, etc. Existing aerogels however suffer from poor sound absorption at low frequencies, narrow-band electromagnetic wave absorption and low structural strength. Here, we propose a novel lightweight aerogel composed of aromatic polyamide nanofiber (ANF)/ carbon nanotubes (CNT)/ flake carbonyl iron powder (FCIP) to boost acoustic/electromagnetic absorption and mechanical performance simultaneously. The FCIP additives create surface roughness and enlarge the pore size of the aerogel. As a result of the enhanced viscous energy dissipation by surface roughness and better impedance match achieved due to the enlarged pores, sound absorption at low frequency is significantly improved. Besides, the electrically and magnetically conductive network generated by embedded FCIP brings about effective electromagnetic absorption covering the whole X-band. Moreover, the aerogels undergo an increase in skeleton thickness and pore size by FCIP, resulting in maximum compressive stress increment. Our study provides clear guidance for the performance enhancement of aerogels that advances the development of aerogels for multifunctional applications.

Progress on the Sound Absorption of Viscoelastic Damping Porous Polymer Composites.

Porous polymer composites (PPC) have developed rapidly recently, which are widely used in various industrial fields. Viscoelastic damping is an important behavior of porous polymer composites, and it can determine the sound absorption for noise reduction applications. This review has mainly covered the viscoelastic damping and sound absorption of porous polymer composites. Different fabrication approaches of porous polymer composites are gathered. The mechanism of viscoelastic damping behavior is described, and also the sound absorption properties. Followed by the introduction of enhanced sound absorption of viscoelastic damping porous polymer composites, including the incorporation of fillers, microstructures modification, combination with nanofibrous materials, and multilayer configuration, etc. The incorporated fillers can effectively adjust the interfacial area in composites, and obtain desired bonding conditions. Microstructures modification is an effective tool to improve the morphologies of both polymer matrix and fillers, which can be achieved by chemical treatment and surface coating. The combination with lightweight nanofibrous layer can increase the low frequency absorption. The configuration of multilayer composites can improve both acoustical and mechanical properties for engineering applications. It is hoped that this comprehensive review is benefit for the promising development of porous polymer composites in related fields.

Efficient and broadband sound absorption properties of slotted aluminum foam

To enhance the sound absorption performance of aluminum foam, a slotted structure was developed. Firstly, the theoretical model of sound absorption for the slotted aluminum foam was established by the transfer matrix method. Secondly, the finite element model was established using COMSOL software to predict the sound absorption coefficient. The reliability of the theoretical and finite element models was validated through impedance tube experiments. The sound absorption mechanism is investigated by analyzing the internal sound field. Finally, the sound absorption properties of aluminum foam with other slot patterns are investigated. Additionally, the factors that influence sound absorption properties are investigated. The results indicate that the slots alter the sound pressure distribution within the material, inducing a pressure diffusion effect. When sound waves enter the interior of the material through the narrow slots, they are absorbed and dissipated by the matrix material on the sides of the slots. The sound absorption coefficient can be improved by increasing the thickness, slot scale, and slot depth of the slotted aluminum foam. Specifically, when the slot depth is 15 mm, and the slot width is 5 mm, the average sound absorption coefficient of incompletely slotted aluminum foam in the frequency range of 1000 ∼ 6300 Hz is 0.86, which can realize broadband sound absorption. With the increase of slot depth, the sound absorption peak becomes more pronounced.

Study on the influence of geometric characteristics of micro-periodic structures with slits on sound absorption properties

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in acoustic metamaterial technology that leverages sub-wavelength scale microperiodic structures to control the behavior of sound waves for sound absorption material development. This technology offers high design flexibility in unit shapes and holds promise for the development of sound absorption materials with diverse characteristics. However, the field remains in its foundational exploration phase, with the detailed relationship between geometric shapes and sound absorption properties yet to be fully elucidated. To address this gap, we conducted a thorough investigation focusing on their relationship by examining the transport parameters of the Johnson-Champoux-Allard-Lafarge-Pride (JCALP) model, which are closely associated with sound absorption properties. We designed a cubic lattice with slits on the incident surface of the unit shape as a microperiodic structure and examined the normal incident sound absorption characteristics using the finite element method. Our results indicate that manipulation of slit partition numbers and slit widths allows for control of transport parameters, suggesting the potential to achieve various sound absorption properties.

Structured acoustic materials for mitigating low-frequencybroadband aircraft noise: transfer matrix method

This study investigates, by numerical modeling, the mitigation of low-frequency broadband aircraft noise using a structured assembly of acoustic materials using the Transfer Matrix Method. The prevalence of low-frequency aircraft noise poses challenges to environmental sustainability and passenger comfort. The investigation focuses on an approach that employs strategically arranged structured acoustic materials to attenuate undesirable noise frequencies. The Transfer Matrix Method is used to model the acoustic behavior of the structured assembly, enabling a comprehensive analysis of sound transmission and absorption properties. This method supports the design and optimization of the assembly. The performance of the structured assembly to selectively attenuate low-frequency broadband noise is assessed through numerical simulations. The paper discusses implications for aircraft design, considering factors such as weight and cost. The benefits for environmental impact and passenger experience are also explored. Challenges and limitations in the implementation of structured acoustic materials are examined. The configuration studied presents an assembly of structured metamaterials arranged in series and in parallel which are integrated into a layer of glass wool. Present research contributes to the development of sustainable solutions for low-frequency aircraft noise. The structured assembly analyzed shows promise for significant noise reduction while considering practical constraints.

Comparison of sound insulation performance between closed-cell foam and automotive carpet

In developing sound insulation materials for automobiles, multiple sound insulation and sound absorption materials are laminated to achieve high performance. Generally, steel sheets, needle felts, and carpets are used to create sound insulation properties. In a luxury car, multiple layers with sound absorption and sound insulation properties are placed on the carpet to add higher sound insulation properties, but this increases the mass of the carpet. To solve this problem, we are investigating the the potential to realize both lightweight and high sound insulation properties using closed-cell form. In this study, we experimentally evaluated the sound transmission loss of closed-cell foam by comparing it with those of carpets with the same configuration used in standard and luxury cars.Furthermore, a numerical study is conducted. As a result, the closed-cell foam obtained higher sound transmission loss than the automobile specification carpet in a wide frequency range from 400 Hz to 5000 Hz. On the other hand, the sound transmission loss decreased by the same degree for both the automotive carpets and the closed-cell foam at 250 Hz.

Characterization, modeling and prediction of foam-formed softwood fiber sound absorption

The transition towards building materials with low or negative carbon-dioxide footprint is a pressing topic in nowadays society. Materials for thermal and acoustic insulation are among those attracting a growing number of research publications. Commonly used materials in the building sector are mostly mineral wools which demand huge amounts of energy during production by melting sand or stone. Cellulose-based materials are a promising substitute for the current market leaders. These materials are able to reach negative carbon footprints due to low embodied energy and their ability to store carbon dioxide in buildings for decades. Predicting the sound absorption behavior prior to manufacturing can further improve their usability. This study delves into the prediction and characterization of wood-based pulp fiber foams and their acoustic properties. By comparing analytical models, semi-phenomenological models and experimental measurements the prediction of sound absorption based on fiber diameter and bulk density is evaluated. The findings reveal that refining a recent analytical model for natural fibers through parameter fitting to non-acoustic parameters yields improved accuracy in predicting sound absorption curves. While the accuracy declines towards higher densities, this work lays the groundwork to create environmentally sustainable sound absorbers with carefully tailored sound absorption properties.

Sound absorption properties of different green wall systems

Façade of the buildings generally consists of acoustically rigid materials. They reflect or scatter sound emitting from sound sources especially main roads thus affects sound environment in a negative way. Applying green walls can be nature-based solution to these urban scale noise. The aim of this research is to compare green wall systems in terms of sound absorption and to determine which one is more effective. Sound absorption at normal incidence of 8 different green wall systems measured via impedance tube in accordance with TS ISO EN 10534-2 standard for 50-6400 Hz. The ivy type, evergreen Hedera Helix plant was used. Potting soil or felt or rock wool was used as a growth medium. As a result, it was seen that the sound absorption of the 'plant + 20 cm potting soil + 10 cm air gap' green wall system was higher than the others. It is followed by the system with 'plant + 20 cm potting soil', 'plant + 3 cm felt + 10 cm air gap' and 'plant + 3 cm rock wool + 10 cm air gap' systems. The sound absorption value was found to be lowest when the plant was applied only as a green façade.

Hygroscopic effects on sound absorption of multiscale bio-based porous materials

Hygroscopicity is the tendency of a material to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. This work investigates hygroscopic effects on the sound absorption properties of multiscale bio-based materials. It is shown how moisture can significantly alter their acoustic performance as well as how to recover their original dry-material performance by means of heat treatment, akin to thermal reactivation commonly used in the chemical engineering industry. The results of an experimental campaign, conducted over an extended period of time, is reported. Possible theoretical explanations on the reduced acoustic performance of activated carbons by hygroscopic effects and the achieved improvement, obtained after heat treating the material, are also presented. The results of this work provide useful insights on the long-term acoustic behaviour of multiscale bio-based materials for noise control applications.

Utilizing polydispersity in three-dimensional random fibrous based sound absorbing materials

The distribution of fiber diameters plays a crucial role in the transport and sound absorbing properties of a three-dimensional random fibrous (3D-RF) medium. Conventionally, volume-weighted averaging of fiber diameters has been utilized as an appropriate microstructural descriptor to predict the static viscous permeability of 3D-RF media. However, the long wavelength acoustical properties of a 3D-RF medium are also sensitive to the smallest fibers, this is particularly true in the high-frequency regime. In our recent research, we demonstrated that an inverse volume-weighted averaging of fiber diameters can effectively serve as a complementary microstructural descriptor to capture the high-frequency behavior of polydisperse fibrous media. In the present work, we reexamine the identification of two representative volume elements (RVEs) which relies on the reconstruction of 3D-RF microstructures having volume-weighted and inverse-volume weighted averaged fiber diameters, respectively in the low-frequency and high frequency regimes. We investigate the implication of such a weighting procedure on the transport and sound absorbing properties of polydisperse fibrous media, highlighting their potential advantages. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges associated with this research field. Finally, we provide a brief perspective of the future directions and opportunities for advancing this area of study.

Sound-absorbing properties of porous glass ceramics from zeolite-containing rocks

Sound-absorbing properties of porous glass ceramics from zeolite-containing rocks

Investigating the Sound Absorption Properties of Silk Cotton and Other Sound-Absorbent Materials

This research investigates the acoustic properties of various materials to mitigate sound transmission and enhance acoustic environments, focusing on silk cotton, cotton wool, chipped foam, and open-cell polyurethane foam. The study evaluates these materials for sound absorption and reduction, considering sound frequency and material density. Materials were tested for their sound reduction and absorption coefficients, with silk cotton emerging as the most effective across a broad frequency spectrum, particularly below 200 Hz and above 1000 Hz. The research demonstrated that silk cotton, with its high porosity and fine fibre structure, achieved significant sound reduction even at low densities The findings align with theoretical predictions of resonance frequencies, showing a strong correlation (r2 = 0.9988 for the sound box and r2 = 0.9894 for the sound pipe). Sound intensity and sound pressure levels were measured using a sound level meter, and data analysis was conducted using graphing and calculating software. The researcher employed modified laboratory methods to account for loose materials and equipment limitations, validating the use of theoretical equations to estimate sound absorption and reduction properties The study provides some insights into using fibrous materials like silk cotton for noise reduction and acoustic enhancement. These findings have practical implications for improving sound quality in various environments, such as schools, studios, and public spaces, contributing to noise reduction strategies and enhancing auditory experiences.

The Influence of Diatomite on the Sound Absorption Ability of Composites.

Diatomites are well-known mineral materials formed thousands of years ago from the skeletons of diatoms. They are found in many places around the world and have a wide range of applications. This article presents innovative research related to the possibility of using diatomite as a filler in composites to improve their sound absorption properties. The results of the study of the effect of diatomite processing (calcination) and its degree of fineness on the sound absorption coefficient of thermoplastic composites are presented. Three fractions of diatomite (0 ÷ 0.063 mm; 0.5 ÷ 3 mm; 2 ÷ 5 mm) and its variable mass proportion (0, 25, and 50 wt.%) were used. The composites were made with flax fibers as a reinforcement, polylactide as a matrix, and diatomite as an additional filler. This paper also presents the results of oxide chemical composition, diatomite mineral phase composition, morphology, and thermal conductivity coefficient of all diatomite fractions studied. In addition, the average particle size for diatomite powder was also determined. The most important of the studies was the determination of the acoustic properties of the aforementioned composites. As a result of the tests, it was found that the smallest fraction of diatomite particles and a variant without thermal treatment give the best effect in terms of sound absorption.

3D Cementitious composites printing with pretreated recycled crumb rubber: mechanical and acoustic insulation properties

ABSTRACT Cementitious materials incorporating recycled crumb rubber have become a common sustainable resolution in diverse building environments to achieve various functions in terms of lightweight, ductility, as well as energy absorption. This study explored the 3D printed rubberised cementitious composites (3DPRC) in two aspects: examining the effects of crumb rubber pretreatment conditions on compressive properties; conducting experimental and numerical analysis on the acoustic dissipation characteristics of 3DPRC. Fine crumb rubber granules (3-5 mm) replaced 10%, 20%, and 30% of river sand in the composites. Uniaxial compression tests indicated that the compressive strength of 3DPRC decreased with the increase of crumb rubber content and introduced anisotropic behaviour. Impedance tube tests were conducted to evaluate the sound absorption and insulation capabilities of 3DPRC. An optimal Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.35 was achieved with 30% crumb rubber. The sound insulation properties depend strongly on the mass density and porosity of the 3DPRC. Additionally, it is proved that the volume of built-in air gap has positive effects on both sound absorption and insulation properties. The results from Finite Element Method (FEM) numerical simulations correlated well with experimental data, proving the efficiency of the simulation and validating the experimental results.

Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Mycelium Composite Boards Made from Lentinus sajor-caju with Various Ratios of Corn Husk and Sawdust.

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) exhibit varied properties as alternative biodegradable materials that can be used in various industries such as construction, furniture, household goods, and packaging. However, these properties are primarily influenced by the type of substrate used. This study aims to investigate the properties of MBCs produced from Lentinus sajor-caju strain CMU-NK0427 using different ratios of sawdust to corn husk in the development of mycelium composite boards (MCBs) with thicknesses of 8, 16, and 24 mm. The results indicate that variations in the ratios of corn husk to sawdust and thickness affected the mechanical and physical properties of the obtained MCBs. Reducing the corn husk content in the substrate increased the modulus of elasticity, density, and thermal conductivity, while increasing the corn husk content increased the bending strength, shrinkage, water absorption, and volumetric swelling. Additionally, an increase in thickness with the same substrate ratio only indicated an increase in density and shrinkage. MCBs have sound absorption properties ranging from 61 to 94% at a frequency of 1000 Hz. According to the correlation results, a reduction in corn husk content in the substrate has a significant positive effect on the reduction in bending strength, shrinkage, and water absorption in MCBs. However, a decrease in corn husk content shows a strong negative correlation with the increase in the modulus of elasticity, density, and thermal conductivity. The thickness of MCBs with the same substrate ratio only shows a significant negative correlation with the modulus of elasticity and bending strength. Compared to commercial boards, the mechanical (bending strength) and physical (density, thermal conductivity, and sound absorption) properties of MCBs made from a 100% corn husk ratio are most similar to those of softboards and acoustic boards. The results of this study can provide valuable information for the production of MCBs and will serve as a guide to enhance strategies for further improving their properties for commercial manufacturing, as well as fulfilling the long-term goal of eco-friendly recycling of lignocellulosic substrates.

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.

Mechanical, Thermal, and Sound Properties of Bamboo‐Powder‐Filled Polyurethane Composites

AbstractBamboo, which is called “green gold” because of its sustainability characteristics, has many wonderful properties that make it environmentally friendly. In this study, polyurethane (PU) composites used in the automotive industry were produced by adding different amounts of bamboo powders (1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 15%, w/v) to PU foams. In this regard, density, light and stereomicroscopic analysis, thermal conductivity, spectroscopic analysis, and mechanical (compression) test have been performed. Further, sound absorption analysis and contact angle analysis have been carried out. Optical and stereomicroscopes showed average pore sizes with range of 258–482 µm. As the bamboo powder increased, the contact angle values decreased from 129 ° to 88 °. Compression force deflection values of the samples declined from 1850 to 360 g/cm2. Similar to the mechanical properties, the thermal conductivities of the PU foams decreased. However, in regards to FT‐IR, no chemical reactions were observed between PU matrix and bamboo powder. The sound absorption test results showed that bamboo powder filled PU foams are sound absorption materials and that rigid PU foam with 2.5% (w/v) (PU‐2.5) bamboo powder sample had better sound absorption properties than the bamboo‐powder‐unfilled rigid PU foam (PU‐0), with an average sound absorption coefficient value of 0.86 at 6300 Hz and 0.71 in the range of 1600–6300 Hz.

Sound absorption properties and mechanism of multi‐layer micro‐perforated nanofiber membrane

AbstractAiming at achieving low‐frequency and broadband sound absorption under the premise of light and thin layers, in this paper, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) nanofiber membranes were micro‐perforated and then combined sequentially to prepare multi‐layer micro‐perforated nanofiber membrane (MPNM) for acoustic noise reduction. It was demonstrated that the multi‐layer MPNM exhibited a high absorption (constantly over 50%) in the frequency of 480–2500 Hz. In addition, the established theoretical model of the sound absorbing coefficient can accurately predict the sound absorption performance of the structure with different layers, which can provide a theoretical foundation for the design of the structure of the nanofibrous membrane acoustic absorber. Based on the proposed acoustic model, the relationships between the absorption properties and the parameters were investigated, and it was found that the effective acoustic absorption frequency range and acoustic absorption coefficient curve of the multi‐layer MPNM were closely related to the size and arrangement of hole diameter, perforation rate, fiber membrane thickness, and cavity depth. Optimization of the structural parameters utilizing algorithms can achieve superior sound absorption performance, with an average absorption coefficient of 0.81 in the frequency of 100–2500 Hz. This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the development of low‐frequency sound‐absorbing materials and is of great significance for optimizing the acoustic performance of nanofiber membranes and expanding their applications in various acoustic engineering applications.

Time-domain model for spherical wave reflection in a flat surface with absorber character – Application to the SOPRA measurement method

This paper presents a developed time-domain model for the reflection of spherical waves in an absorber-like surface. The model is made to enable evaluation of measurement methods for assessing the sound absorptive properties of traffic noise barriers in direct sound field, it is thus called the Direct Field Absorption (DFA) model. In this study, the DFA model is applied to the in-situ SOPRA method for quick sound reflection index measurements on road noise barriers. The DFA model results in an impulse response (IR), based on a theoretically derived impedance of a certain absorber. The DFA IR is entered to the SOPRA formula to calculate the reflection index, RIQ, of the absorber, which is subsequently compared to the measured RIQ of a wall fitted with the absorber in question. If the results are similar, it is reasonable to assume that the SOPRA measurement results are valid. But if there are any significant differences between the DFA and SOPRA sound reflection indices, possible reasons for them should be examined.The first results are encouraging, showing that the DFA model can be a valuable tool to evaluate the results of reflection measurements. Furthermore, the DFA model could be useful for estimating the sound absorptive performance at lower frequencies of a noise barrier limited to its spatial extent in width and height, i.e., when it is physically impossible to measure. Further studies are necessary though, since the conclusions of this paper are based on only one kind of absorber.

Sound absorption characteristics of 3‐dimensional printed biodegradable structure backed with luffa fiber

AbstractIn this work, an investigation has been carried out on the sound absorption properties of the microperforated composites prepared by filling natural luffa fiber and synthetic luffa fiber. These composite structures are created by 3‐dimensional printing of polylactic acid, which exhibits excellent biodegradability. After preparing the structure, the micro‐perforation is done at the top of the composite with the help of a heated cylindrical drill. During the printing process, the infill density (printing parameter) and type of luffa fiber (natural and synthetic) have been varied to find out its effect on acoustic properties. Finally, a comparative study is carried out among natural luffa fiber and without using natural luffa fiber. The results showed excellent sound absorption of luffa filled structure compared to an unfilled structure. Out of three different infilled densities, the density of 5 % revealed a maximum amount of absorption, suggesting the potential applications of these structures in the field of sound absorption.