A new composite acoustic system has been developed, demonstrating significant potential for effective low-frequency sound absorption. Researchers at the Textile Institute of Lodz University of Technology have created this innovative material, addressing the challenging issue of noise pollution which is detrimental to health and quality of life.
Noise, particularly low-frequency sound, lurks as one of the main pollutants affecting individuals worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in five Europeans experiences noise levels at night severe enough to impair health.
Traditionally, sound absorption materials, including porous structures and micro-perforated panels, have struggled with low-frequency audio waves, failing to dissipate their energy efficiently. The newly developed composite acoustic system promises to overcome these limitations by integrating porous materials with specially crafted geometries.
The research team fashioned their porous absorbing plates connected to cavities filled with air, allowing responses to be fine-tuned by modifying angles and the lengths of the cavities involved. "Achieving high absorption of low-frequency sound is possible thanks to the use of an acoustic system consisting of an absorbing plate and an air cavity," stated the authors of the article.
Through the innovative use of materials, including thermoplastic matrix composites made from renewable resources, the system not only showcases superior sound absorption rates but does so sustainably. Importantly, the new system yields higher sound absorption coefficients, particularly at lower frequencies, making it beneficial for various applications.
The tests demonstrated how varying the angle between the absorbing plate and incident sound waves could optimize absorption. The findings reveal, "The greater the angle, the maximum absorption is noted for lower sound frequencies," confirming the method's effectiveness.
Comparative studies showcased the capabilities of systems without polymer surface layers, which fell short of expectations against models utilizing these newly engineered plates, signifying substantial advancements. With the composite material, researchers found significant sound absorption coefficients, peaking at frequencies like 270 Hz as cavity lengths increased.
Beyond mere technical advances, the ecological aspect is noteworthy as well. The composite materials can be formulated to allow biodegradability, proposing less environmental damage compared to traditional sound-absorbing materials.
The introduction of such systems serves immediate applications, alluding to potential future integration across industries impacted by noise pollution, including construction, automotive, and entertainment.
Conclusively, this research paves the way for innovative designs to combat sound pollution and indicates the necessity for continued advancements within the field. Overall, the composite acoustic system suggests promising horizons for engineers striving to mitigate health-threatening noise across various contexts.