Sound Absorption Characteristics of Integrated Membrane-Fabric Materials

Abstract

Noise pollution has emerged as one of the most important environmental issues, particularly in developing countries. The use of sound absorption material has proven to be a successful approach for minimizing and controlling noise levels. Combining a membrane or panel with two or more porous materials is a practical approach for sound absorption. However, it often makes the absorber thicker, taking up more space and increasing production costs. This research proposes a new integrated sound absorber that combines a rubber membrane with a fabric to absorb sound at different frequencies. The new material eliminates bulky porous materials, saving space and production costs. By varying perforation sizes, percentages, and backed air gap distances, the study investigates the sound absorption characteristics of the integrated membrane-fabric material. The research has determined that the integrated membrane-fabric material exhibits exceptional sound absorption performance across a wide frequency range, which is influenced by several factors, including the diameter and ratio of perforations, and the depth of the air cavity. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the positioning of the fabric also plays a crucial role in determining the material's absorption performance.