Acoustics
Understanding Acoustic Phenomena in Sandwich Panels
When it comes to honeycomb panels, two primary acoustic phenomena are of interest: sound transmission loss and sound absorption. HONYLITE’s honeycomb panels are designed to address both these aspects, making them versatile for various applications.
- 1. Sound Transmission: Loss Sound transmission loss refers to the honeycomb panel’s ability to act as a sound barrier, preventing sound from being transmitted through the panel. This property is crucial in environments where sound insulation is required to maintain a quiet atmosphere or prevent noise pollution.
- 2. Sound Absorption: Sound absorption, on the other hand, relates to the honeycomb panel’s capacity to absorb sound, thereby reducing reflected sound within a space. This is essential in environments where minimizing echo and reverberation is important for sound clarity and comfort.
Acoustic Requirements for Different Enclosures
| Enclosure | Transmission Loss Requirements | Absorption Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Library | High | High |
| Auditorium | High | Low |
| Engine Room | High | None |
| Isolated Factory | None | None |
| Sounding Board | Low | Low |
Performance of Honeycomb Panels
- 1. Low Frequencies: Honeycomb panels are excellent sound barriers for very low frequencies, effectively blocking structural borne vibrations.
- 2. Moderate Frequencies: They provide fair to poor sound barrier performance at moderate frequencies, such as engine noise.
- 3. High Frequencies: Honeycomb panels are less effective at blocking high frequencies, including aerodynamic noises and human speech.
Enhanced Sound Absorption with Perforated Panels
A honeycomb panel with a perforated front facing and an impervious back skin can act as an effective sound absorber over a narrow frequency band. This absorption occurs through the Helmholtz resonator effect, which depends on the volume of trapped air within the honeycomb cells and the size of the perforations.
Applications and Benefits
- 1. Libraries and Auditoriums: High transmission loss and sound absorption make honeycomb panels ideal for quiet and acoustically sensitive environments.
- 2. Engine Rooms and Factories: Honeycomb panels provide excellent sound insulation to reduce noise pollution in high-noise environments.
- 3. General Sound Barriers: Versatile application in various industries requiring sound control.