Flexible ceramic nanofibrous sponges with hierarchically entangled graphene networks enable noise absorption

Traffic noise pollution has posed a huge burden to the global economy, ecological environment and human health. However, most present traffic noise reduction materials suffer from a narrow absorbing band, large weight and poor temperature resistance. Here, we demonstrate a facile strategy to create flexible ceramic nanofibrous sponges (FCNSs) with hierarchically entangled graphene networks, which integrate unique hierarchical structures of opened cells, closed-cell walls and entangled networks. Under the precondition of independent of chemical crosslinking, high enhancement in buckling and compression performances of FCNSs is achieved by forming hierarchically entangled structures in all three-dimensional space. Moreover, the FCNSs show enhanced broadband noise absorption performance (noise reduction coefficient of 0.56 in 63–6300 Hz) and lightweight feature (9.3 mg cm–3), together with robust temperature-invariant stability from –100 to 500 °C. This strategy paves the way for the design of advanced fibrous materials for highly efficient noise absorption.

Application of a micro-perforated panel absorber to reduce the curve squeal noise of railways

A micro-perforated panel absorber (MPPA) can reduce noise without the use of sound-absorbing materials. It is made of various materials and is poten- tially applicable in a variety of fields. However, the application of MPPAs is limited owing to the narrow absorption band. In a previous study, to enhance the sound- absorption performance of MPPAs, we proposed a parallel arrangement of multi- layer MPPAs. Based on the results of this previous study, we carried out the present study to apply an MPPA to the curve squeal noise of railways. Squeal noise, which occurs at approximately 500 to 5000 Hz, has high-level peaks. We designed and fabricated an MPPAwith the proposed structure according to the characteris- tics of the squeal noise. The noise reduction was analyzed after an MPPA barrier was installed in the field with a curve radius of 120 m. The reduction in noise level was approximately 17 dB(A) on the first floor and approximately 7 dB(A) on the fourth floor of the building. At 630 to 5000 Hz, the noise reduction level was at least approximately 5 dB(A). To analyze the noise absorption effect of the MPPA bar- rier, a simulation was carried out and subsequently verified by comparing the measurement results with the simulation results. In the simulation, the difference in noise reduction level between the MPPA and reflective barrier was analyzed. The noise reduction level of the MPPA barrier was approximately 7.5 dB(A) higher than that of the reflective barrier on the second and third floors of the build- ing at 630 to 5000 Hz. These results support the viability of MPPA application in re- ducing noise from curve squeal noise.

Surface Texture And Layer Permeability Of Aquaplaning Resistant Asphalt Pavements

Tire/pavement noise is one of the biggest environmental problems caused by the contact between the car tire and the pavement surface. It is known that porous asphalt (PA) pavements has good properties in noise absorption, however these mixtures could also solve another important problem which appear on roads – aquaplaning. This phenomenon reduces traffic safety and driving comfort. Aquaplaning appears when tires become separated from the pavement surface by thin water film and the ability to increase braking force or control the vehicle motion is almost entirely lost. Although, PA pavements have relatively low durability properties. This research aims analyse surface texture and permeability characteristics of aquaplaning resistant asphalt pavements. Four different mixtures with different largest particle size (AT 5, AT 8, AT 11 and AT 16) were tested. Large-scale laboratory testing was performed to evaluate their surface texture and permeability properties The research revealed, that mixtures with 8 % activated mineral limestone powder (AMLP) showed better mechanical and physical properties than comparing to other mixtures with 4 % AMLP and 4 % granite screenings or just 4 % AMLP.

Textiles for Noise Control

This chapter includes the mechanism of sound absorption and the classes of sound absorbing material to control the noise. The basic phenomena related to the reduction of sound by allowing it to soak in and dissipate also were introduced first, which, can be realised by viscous effects, heat conduction effects, and internal molecular energy interchanges. Porous absorbers are materials where sound propagates through an interconnected pore network resulting in sound energy dissipation. They are only effective at the mid-to-high frequency range, which is most sensitive to the human ear. The applications of different textile fibres and their various forms were identified later in the chapter. Finally, specific discussions are given to sound parameters, noise absorption coefficient, and its measurement technique. The chapter also deals with various factors influencing sound absorption.

An ultra-thin multi-layered metamaterial for power transformer noise absorption

A compact multi-layered structure is proposed based on the coiled-up space concept for power transformer noise absorption at 100 and 200 Hz. Current methods of constructing multi-band absorbers are impractical for power transformer noise control due to the high coupling effect deteriorating their performance. To overcome this shortcoming, the proposed structure is composed of multiple connected layers creating two separate coiled ducts with adjustable dimensions to minimise the coupling effect. In the modelling stage, the geometrical features are optimised using the genetic algorithm to maximise the absorption coefficient and minimise the thickness. The proposed dual-tone absorber has a thickness of 43.5 mm which is significantly thinner than the existing conventional absorbers. The measurement results on a 3D-printed structure demonstrate the feasibility of the design.

Noise Control design for a Ventilation Fan - Case Study

A ventilation system was design and installed for a multi story garage. The ventilation system system had a vertical concrete shaft with the ventilation fan located on the top floor at street level. The ventilation fan is separated from the outside by a set of metal louvers. Adjacent to the louvers is an open pedestrian area. The exhaust fan as installed had an inline duct silencer but this was insufficient in terms of providing the desired noise mitigation. The project desire was not to make changes to the fan or its inline silencer or the external louvers so an alternative noise mitigation option had to be explored. Based on the provided sound power characteristics of the fan, the exterior noise levels as calculated matched the expected levels coming out of the metal louvers. The interior of the ventilation shaft is bare concrete with the fan installed though a hole in the concrete top floor. The predominate noise was the very high reverberation inside the ventilation shaft. The owner of the property made an attempt at installing noise absorption but this was not sufficient. Based on the field data the sound levels with the preliminary absorption solution matched expectation, but further noise reduction was required. A complete sound absorption on the walls of the concrete ventilation shaft noise mitigation solution was design, and the expected levels predicted to show that significant noise reductions can be obtained by a comprehensive noise absorption solution. The noise mitigation solution was implemented and exterior sound level measurements performed at the completion of the project. The measured sound levels outside of the metal louvers were in very good agreement with the predicted levels. Based on the success of this first noise mitigation solution, noise mitigation for a second ventilation system is not being considered.

IMPROVEMENT OF MUFFLER S DESIGN FOR REDUCTION OF THE LEVEL OF SOUND PRESSURE ON SMALL TRACTORS OPERATORS

Noise background, as an important factor in the working conditions of agricultural operators, has a direct impact on human health and productivity. This topic is especially relevant for small tractors, which in most cases are not equipped with cabs. One of the main means of reducing the sound pressure on the operator are the mufflers of exhaust gases, which mainly have a labyrinth-absorbing type of action. The paper proposes a fundamental approach to the design of the muffler by the criterion of reflection and scattering of sound waves with the verification of efficiency by computer simulation. The purpose of research: - to improve the working conditions of operators of small tractors that are not equipped with cabs, by reducing the sound pressure level from internal combustion engines; - to improve the noise-absorbing properties of mufflers of exhaust gases of engines with observance of requirements to manufacturability of process of their manufacturing; - to develop a structural scheme of the exhaust gases muffler based on the results of preliminary modeling and analysis of the trajectory of the gas flow in the cavity of its working part. Methods. Determination of the sound pressure level of the engine of a small tractor by mathematical (computer) modeling of the behavior of the exhaust gas flow in the muffler cavity in different frequency ranges. Results. The article analyzes the main sources of noise during the operation of agricultural machinery with internal combustion engines (ICE). On the basis of literature sources and methods, their separate degree of influence on the complex picture of noise pollution of the working space of the operator of a small tractor is established. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of mufflers, created on the generally accepted principles and approaches to the design of such devices. According to the results of previous tests, shortcomings and limitations in the application of design concepts were identified, an additional analysis of external causes and factors was made, and adjustments were made to the method of creating muffler designs. An alternative design approach to the creation of internal combustion engine mufflers of small tractors is proposed and computer modeling of the processes of sound pressure distribution and sound waves in their cavity is performed. Conclusions. 1. A layout diagram of the design of the exhaust muffler, containing a resonator chamber and a shell module, which is made in the form of a three-stage ribbed diffuser of oscillations of the exhaust flow pulses with an additional surface layer of the vibration absorber. The parameters of the exhaust flow of exhaust gases of a typical diesel engine of a small tractor with a capacity of 24 hp are calculated. (pressure - 11652 Pa, acceleration – 90-105 m / s2, frequency - 1950-3300 Hz), which performed computer simulations of the process of gas movement in the muffler cavity of the proposed layout. Optimal design parameters were selected to ensure the maximum possible noise absorption with a body diameter of 150 mm and a length of 600 mm. The calculated sound pressure when working at the crankshaft speed (1700-2000) rpm does not exceed 72 dB. At the same time, the design of the muffler is made in compliance with the requirements for economic feasibility, manufacturability and in accordance with the capabilities of industrial production. A further direction of research is the manufacture of an experimental sample of the muffler and testing for the efficiency of its noise absorption in the conditions of operation of small tractors.

Flexible Ceramic Nanofibrous Aerogels with Hierarchically Entangled Graphene Networks Enable Full-Frequency Noise Absorption

Traffic noise pollution has posed a huge burden to the global economy, ecological environment, and human health. However, most present traffic noise reduction materials suffer from a narrow absorbing band, high weights, and poor temperature resistance. Here, we demonstrate a facile strategy to create flexible ceramic nanofibrous aerogels (GCNAs) with hierarchically entangled graphene networks, which integrate unique hierarchical structures of opened cells, closed-cell walls, and entangled networks. Under the precondition of independent of chemical crosslinking, high enhancement in buckling and compression performances of GCNAs is achieved by forming hierarchically entangled structures in all three-dimensional space. Moreover, the flexible GCNAs show striking full-frequency noise absorption performances (noise reduction coefficient of 0.56 in 63~6300 Hz) and lightweight features (9.3 mg cm-3), together with robust temperature-invariant stability in –100~500 °C. This strategy paves the way for the design of novel fibrous materials for highly efficient full-frequency noise absorption.