Acoustic metamaterials: control and optimization of sound absorption and attenuation.

15/12/2021 14:58

Project Description: The noise and vibration control techniques used to increase the absorption capacity of materials and attenuation in divisive elements are of utmost importance in several applications: aeronautical cabins, vehicle compartments, machine enclosures, road traffic barriers, hearing protectors, concert halls and auditoriums in general. However, these techniques have limitations in low frequency ranges, which has motivated research and development of new concepts and acoustic devices.  Thus, acoustic metamaterials (metamateriais acústicos MMA) have been shown to be innovative solutions for noise control, with great potential to act efficiently in the absorption and reduction of noise at frequencies below 1,000 Hz. MMA’s are known as periodic structures that have specific physical properties and behavior for large wavelengths (low frequencies). In this research project, the characterization, evaluation and analysis of MMA proposals of labyrinthic types, microperforated panel and Helmholtz resonator, will be developed to study the behavior of both the absorption coefficient and the loss of sound transmission in the frequency region between 100 and 600 Hz, aiming to optimize the acoustic performance of MMA models, in terms of their geometric parameters, visco-thermal effects and acoustic impedance. This investigation will be carried out over 36 months and in five steps: Analytical description of MMA models; Representation of physical and geometrical models of MMA; Modeling and simulation by finite element method; Influence analysis and model optimization; Tests of absorption bench and sound transmission.  

Coordinator/Participants: Erasmo Felipe Vergara (coordinator); Prof. Robert Birch (collaborator/ University of Liverpool); Prof. Paulo Mareze (participant Engenharia Acústica/ UFSM); Leandro Rodrigues Barbosa (participant/ Wave consultoria); Prof. Arcanjo Lenzi (collaborator/ LVA UFSC).

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