Study of sound-absorbing materials using layered narrow clearances between two surfaces (Theoretical analysis and experiments of Sensu (folding fan) shaped test samples)

Abstract

We conducted a study related to sound absorbing materials created by folding thin material in the shape of a Japanese folding fan. In order to conduct a calculation of the shape of a clearance in the folding fan-shaped test sample, we performed an approximation of element decomposition in both the incidence direction of the sound wave and the lateral direction. In a theoretical analysis, we considered sound wave attenuation due to boundary layer friction in the clearance between two surfaces. We compared experimental and calculated values for the sound absorption coefficient. Trends in both matched closely. Errors in the calculated values for large clearances could be attributed mainly to irregularity in the size of the clearances. Frequency shift of the calculated values for small clearances were due to errors in estimating the sound attenuation. Sound absorbing structures shaped like a folding fan possess sound absorption characteristics are similar to the wedge-shaped sound absorbing structures shown in previous reports. This was also shown in calculated values based on theoretical analysis. In cases with an appropriate back air space, sound absorption peak frequencies decreased relative to cases without a back air space, and sound absorption characteristics were superior across a wide frequency range.