Sound insulation of double frame partitions with an internal gypsum board layer

To avoid the undesirable effects of a faulty sealing of outlet boxes, it is common to insert a gypsum board layer in the middle of a double frame partition. In this paper, measured sound reduction index data for double frame partitions, with and without a gypsum board layer insert, are presented. The results obtained show that the sound insulation decreases at low frequencies due to the presence of the internal layer. The weighted sound reduction index, which is strongly affected by the low frequency sound insulation, decreases by 7-8 dB. Since these degradations are greater than those resulting from small gaps in partitions, it can be concluded that the insertion of a gypsum board layer in the middle of a double frame partition is not a suitable solution to the undesirable effects of faulty sealing of outlet boxes.     

A review of the metal stud stiffness on the sound insulation of gypsum-board partitions

For the sound insulation of a double-panel partition,the stud between two leaves creates a vibration transmission path,which can often be more critical and more important in the mid-frequency range than the airborne path through the cavity.Owing to the fact that partitions with light-weight steel studs are commonly used in building construction,studies on the sound insulation effect of such studs have been conducted.Especially,a model,initiated by Gu and Wang(1983),has been widely studied during the past decades.In the model,the steel stud is considered as an elastic spring with its cross-section stiffness in the sound insulation index prediction of such a partition.Experimental results of different stud profiles have been reported from different testing laboratories and more information has been gained to understand the stiffness effect of the stud on the sound insulation of the double-leaf partitions.In this paper,the authors have given this subject a thorough review and have concluded that a critical problem needs further investigation on the determination of the stiffness of the connecting elements in the double-leaf partitions.     

An empirical model for the equivalent translational compliance of steel studs

The effect of the resilience of the steel studs on the sound insulation of steel stud cavity walls can be modeled as an equivalent translational compliance in simple models for predicting the sound insulation of walls. Recent numerical calculations have shown that this equivalent translational compliance varies with frequency. This paper determines the values of the equivalent translational compliance of steel studs which make a simple sound insulation theory agree best with experimental sound insulation data for 126 steel stud cavity walls with gypsum plaster board on each side of the steel studs and sound absorbing material in the wall cavity. These values are approximately constant as a function of frequency up to 400 Hz. Above 400 Hz they decrease approximately as a non-integer power of the frequency. The equivalent translational compliance also depends on the mass per unit surface area of the cladding on each side of the steel studs and on the width of the steel studs. Above 400 Hz, this compliance also depends on the stud spacing. The best fit approximation is used with a simple sound insulation prediction model to predict the sound insulation of steel stud cavity walls whose sound insulation has been determined experimentally.     

Sound insulation of double-leaf walls - Allowing for studs of finite stiffness in a transfer matrix scheme

In a recent paper by the present author the effect of finite structural connections on the sound reduction index of double walls was predicted by modifying a model based on the transfer matrix technique. However, the model did not include any means to account for the flexibility of the studs; they were assumed to be of infinite stiffness. Based on data for the effective stiffness of flexible steel studs, the model is extended to take account of this flexibility. A number of comparisons are performed, mainly with the measured sound reduction index of lightweight double walls with gypsum boards. Cases include walls with cavity filling as well as with empty (air-filled) cavities. In the latter cases, the energy losses of the cavity are simulated using a model of a porous layer with a minute flow resistivity. Predicted results compare favourably with measurement results. It is assumed that different basic types of studs, i.e. other than the TC-type simulated here may successfully be included in the model.     

Experimental study for control of sound transmission through double glazed window using optimally tuned Helmholtz resonators

This paper presents an experimental investigation of passively control of sound transmission through a double glazed window by using arrangement of Helmholtz resonators (HRs), which are commonly used for narrow band control application. The laboratory experiments were performed placing the window between reverberation chamber and anechoic chamber. The window was subject to diffuse field, approximate normal wave and oblique wave acoustic excitations. Three sets of HRs were designed and installed in cavity of window. The sound control performances at far-field were measured. The control performances from varying the number of HRs, incident acoustic field, excitation sources (band-limited white noise and traffic noise examples) are presented and discussed in detail. It is shown that a considerable reduction of the transmitted sound pressure levels has been achieved around the mass–air–mass resonance frequency (50–120 Hz). The obtained reductions in the transmitted sound pressure illustrate the potentials of HRs for improving the sound insulation characteristics of double glazed window. The experimental results also indicate that only tuning the HRs to the mass–air–mass resonance frequency does not guarantee the best possible insulation of the sound transmission.     

Enhancing micro-perforated panel attenuation by partitioning the adjoining cavity

The sound attenuation performance of micro-perforated panels (MPP) with adjoining air cavity is investigated for a plenum. The sound field inside of a plenum is compared for two cases. In the first case, the plenum is treated with an MPP and adjoining air cavity without any partitioning. For the second case, the adjoining air cavity is partitioned into a number of sub-cavities. The resulting sound pressure fields indicate that partitioning the adjoining air cavity increases the overall sound attenuation due to the MPP by approximately 4 dB. The explanation for this phenomenon was investigated by measuring the sound pressure level on planes in front of the MPP. Additionally, boundary element analyses were conducted to simulate the effect of the MPP and adjoining cavity with and without partitioning on the sound field in the plenum. It was demonstrated that a MPP can be modeled as a transfer impedance and that partitioning the adjoining cavity enhances attenuation to acoustic modes that propagate transverse to the MPP.     

Sound reduction in samples of environmentally friendly building materials and their compositions

In order to reduce the negative effect on the environment, environmentally friendly materials are being chosen for the construction of buildings more and more frequently. The building materials that are now used more commonly are clay, straw and reeds. The sound insulation properties of these environmentally friendly materials have not yet been examined thoroughly. This paper presents most commonly used sound reduction indexes R_W that have been measured in the semi-anechoic chamber and determined during the simulation. It has been found that adobe, pressed straw and reeds (oriented parallel to the sound transmission) are suitable for low-frequency sound insulation. The material with the best sound reduction index was adobe. The sound reduction index R_W of a 200 mm thick adobe wall reached up to 43 dB.     

薄膜型声学超材料的结构设计与隔声特性

为探讨薄膜型声学超材料用于汽车前围声学包、提高其中低频隔声能力的可行性,设计一种米字摆臂多质量块薄膜型声学超材料,构建其隔声分析有限元模型,分析其隔声特性及影响因素,开展结构优化及其在汽车前围声学包上的应用探索。研究表明,所设计的薄膜型声学超材料单胞在中低频区域具有较宽的隔声频带;增加薄膜上质量块半径或厚度会使传声损失曲线整体向低频区域移动,且质量块半径的增加还会拓宽高频区域的隔声频带;增加薄膜厚度或预应力会使传声损失曲线整体向高频区域移动;优化后的薄膜型声学超材料与钢板组合应用于汽车前围板,可明显提高其中低频隔声能力。     

含空气层与多孔材料的复合结构隔声特性研究

基于高速列车减振降噪需求,本文应用Biot提出的多孔弹性介质声传播理论,采用传递矩阵法理论推导了典型分层结构的隔声量计算公式,给出了空气层与多孔材料对分层复合结构隔声特性的影响。将传递矩阵与遗传算法相结合,对特定中低频段内的复合结构隔声特性进行了优化。研究结果表明:空气层和多孔材料有助于分层复合结构隔声量的提高,特别是空气层对低频隔声有很好的促进作用,另外空气层与多孔材料的分配情况也影响着隔声效果。含有空气层的复合结构在提高隔声量的同时降低了结构的总体重量,实现了高速列车隔声材料低能耗和轻量化的设计目标。     

Criticism of statistical energy analysis for the calculation of sound insulation—Part 1: Single partitions

Crocker and Price⁴ employed the method of statistical energy analysis to calculate the sound insulation of single and double partitions. This paper deals with the degree of agreement between the results obtained by this method for sound insulation of single partitions and measured values.In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of this method compared with classical methods are discussed. A comparison between the statistical energy analysis method and classical methods for the calculation of the sound insulation of single partitions is made.     

Influence of screw spacings on sound reduction index in lightweight partitions

In this paper measured sound reduction index data for lightweight partitions with gypsum board layers attached to the frame with two different screw spacings are presented. Data are used to show the effect of screw spacings and to quantify the effect on sound reduction index. The results show that screw spacing had a great effect in double walls where each gypsum board layer was attached to each side of a timber frame.     

利用混合FE-SEA方法的前围隔声性能优化设计*

为了提升某重型商用车前围的隔声性能,建立了用于分析前围传递损失的有限元-统计能量分析(FE-SEA)模型。针对前围结构复杂的特点,依据FE-SEA模型建模原则,提出了通过在表面创建声腔来确保能量在模型中的正确传递路径。将仿真结果与测试值对比,二者误差小于1.6 dB(A),验证了FE-SEA方法的准确性。用吸声材料与隔声材料复合设计前围声学包,采用正交试验法对前围声学包进行优化设计并对各个试验方案进行仿真计算。对仿真结果进行极差分析与方差分析,选出了在传递损失、重量和厚度三方面达到最佳平衡的声学包:毛毡(10 mm)+EPDM隔声垫(2 mm)。结果表明,优化后的前围传递损失在测试频率315 Hz～2000 Hz范围内最小提升了3.8 dB(A),最大提升了7 dB(A),前围的隔声性能得到较大的提升。     

Potential solutions to improved sound performance of volume based lightweight multi-storey timber buildings

Lightweight building systems in general suffer from poor sound insulation, especially in the low frequency region. Since no reliable mathematical models that can predict the impact sound pressure level exists, the lightweight building design is to a high extent based upon previous experience and upon measurements. A special difficulty is related to experimental measurements since the variation among identical units must not be neglected. A modern volume based lightweight wooden building concept has here been tested by numerous well controlled measurements, in laboratory as well as in more field like conditions. The volume construction technique offers new possibilities and challenges to improve sound insulation in light weight timber construction. The main purpose was to investigate how different constructional solutions in the floor, like plaster board, mineral wool, elastic glue, dividing board, floating floor etc., affect the sound insulation. Many of the tested modifications resulted in only marginally changed impact sound pressure level but parameters that substantially can improve the sound insulation were found in using elastic glue to mount the floor boards, to install extra board layers and to use floating floors.     

Sound insulation characteristics of multi-layer structures with a microperforated panel

Multi-layer structures have issues with sound insulation at low and mid-frequencies due to mass-air-mass resonance. The purpose of this study is to investigate improvements to the sound insulation performance of multi-layer structures using a microperforated panel (MPP), which can absorb well over a wide frequency range. Although MPPs have been investigated over the last several decades, almost all studies have been conducted in terms of sound absorption. Herein the sound transmission loss of multi-layer structures with flexible MPPs of infinite extent is theoretically investigated. The calculation is based on the wave equation and the equation of panel vibration including the effect of perforation of the panel. Additionally to consider a more realistic sound insulation performance, the effect of the directional distribution of the incident energy in a reverberation chamber is taken into account. Experiments are conducted using an acoustic tube to validate the calculated results and the reverberation chamber method to verify the actual sound insulation characteristics. Both experiments agree well with the theoretically calculated perforation effects. Consequently, MMPs are confirmed to improve the deterioration of sound insulation performance due to mass-air-mass resonance of multi-layer structures.     

Prediction of the spatial characteristics of higher mode sound transmission through a periodic slit screen

Periodic slit screens are often installed in rectangular apertures either to mask the opening or to reduce transmitted noise. This investigation considers the higher-order scattered and transmitted sound from a point source through a periodic screen mounted in a rigid baffle. In particular, this paper considers the spatial characteristics, or directivity, of the scattered field for a particular higher order mode. Uncoupled higher-order mode analysis is used to estimate the scattered and transmitted sound fields for the selected mode of the aperture without the presence of the screen. Transmission coefficients for the screens are then calculated using the well established equivalent mass layer effect and applied to the calculated higher-order mode scattered and transmitted sound pressures. Using an anechoic chamber, measurements were made over a small arc of the scattered sound field through a range of screens of different aspect ratios but the same porosity. The screens consisted of equally spaced open slits and solid laths and the number of slits was reduced to change the aspect ratio. In each case the point source was positioned on the impinging side of the aperture so as to drive one particular scattered higher-order aperture mode at or near cut-on. Comparison of the measured and predicted sound pressures indicate that good estimates of the sound field can be obtained through the approach of applying simple corrections for the presence of the screens to the estimates for the open aperture established using uncoupled calculations for the higher-order modes. It is also shown that the results for a specific mode excited at one particular frequency are applicable at other excitation frequencies provided that the correct non-dimensionalisation is applied.     

An indirect hybrid sound transmission loss controller

The control of sound transmission through panels is an important noise control problem in the aerospace, aeronautical, and automotive industries. The trend towards using lightweight composite materials that have lower sound insulation performance is a negative factor regarding low frequency transmission loss. Double-panel partitions with the gap filled with sound absorption materials are often employed to improve the sound insulation performance with reduced added weight penalty. However, in the low frequency range, the strong coupling between the panels through the air cavity and mechanical paths may greatly reduce the sound transmission performance, making it even lower than the performance of a single panel in some frequency ranges. In this work, an experimental investigation of a new kind of hybrid (active/passive) acoustic actuator is presented. The idea consists of replacing the acoustic absorption material by a hybrid actuator aiming at improving the transmission loss at low frequencies without altering the passive attenuation. A prototype of the system is tested in a plane wave acoustic tube setup. Different kinds of SISO feedforward control implementations were used to attenuate the sound power transmitted through the hybrid active–passive panel using an error microphone or a particle velocity sensor placed downstream with respect to the sample panel. Measurement results of the transmission loss with active and hybrid attenuation are presented and discussed.     

Transmission of a spherical sound wave through a single-leaf wall: Mass law for spherical wave incidence

This paper examines the sound insulation of a single-leaf wall driven by a spherical wave. The transmitted sound field of an infinite elastic plate under a spherical wave incidence is theoretically analyzed and insulation mechanisms are considered. The displacement of the plate is formulated using the Hankel transform in wavenumber space and the transmitted sound pressure in the far-field is obtained by Rayleigh’s formula in an explicit closed form. Moreover, a reduction index is also derived in a closed form by introducing an approximation into the vibration characteristics of the plate. Deterioration of the insulation performance under the spherical wave incidence is caused by an apparent decrease of wall impedance that depends on the directivity of the transmitted sound wave. The mass law for a spherical wave incidence is different from that for a normal plane wave incidence: doubling the weight of the wall or the frequency gives an increase of 3 dB (c.f. 6 dB for a normal plane wave incidence), which is also smaller than the field incidence mass law.     

Effectiveness of T-shaped acoustic resonators in low-frequency sound transmission control of a finite double-panel partition

Double-panel partitions are widely used for sound insulation purposes. Their insulation efficiency is, however, deteriorated at low frequencies due to the structural and acoustic resonances. To tackle this problem, this paper proposes the use of long T-shaped acoustic resonators in a double-panel partition embedded along the edges. In order to facilitate the design and assess the performance of the structure, a general vibro-acoustic model, characterizing the interaction between the panels, air cavity, and integrated acoustic resonators, is developed. The effectiveness of the technique as well as the optimal locations of the acoustic resonators is examined at various frequencies where the system exhibits different coupling characteristics. The measured optimal locations are also compared with the predicted ones to verify the developed theory. Finally, the performance of the acoustic resonators in broadband sound transmission control is demonstrated.     

Criticism of statistical energy analysis for the calculation of sound insulation: Part 2-double partitions

The theory of statistical energy analysis has been applied to the problem of estimating the transmission loss of a single finite panel. This theory was extended to the problem of a finite double-leaf partition structure.This paper deals with the degree of agreement of the measured values with the theoretical results of the sound insulation of double partitions according to this theory.In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of this method compared with classical methods are discussed. A comparison between the method of statistical energy analysis and classical methods for the calculation of the sound insulation of double partitions is given.