Elastic and acoustic characterisation of porous layered system

Abstract: For an accurate prediction of the low and medium frequency surface vibration and sound radiation behaviour of porous layered systems, there is a need to improve the means of estimating their elastic and acoustic properties. The underlying reasons for this are many and of varying origin, one prominent being a poor knowledge of the geometric anisotropy of the cell microstructure in the manufactured porous materials. Another one being, the characteristic feature of such materials i.e. that their density, elasticity and dissipative properties are highly dependent upon the manufacturing process techniques and settings used. In the case of free form moulding, the geometry of the cells and the dimensions of the struts are influenced by the rise and injection flow directions and also by the effect of gravity, elongating the cells. In addition the influence of the boundaries of the mould also introduces variations in the properties of the foam block produced. Despite these complications, the need to predict and, in the end, optimise the acoustic performance of these materials, either as isolated components or as part of a multi-layer arrangement, is growing. It is driven by the increasing demands for an acoustic performance in balance with the costs, a focus which serves to increase the need for modelling their behaviour in general and the above mentioned, inherent, anisotropy in particular. The current work is focussing on the experimental part of the characterisation of the material properties which is needed in order to correctly represent the anisotropy in numerical simulation models. A hybrid approach based on a combination of experimental deformation and strain field mapping, and physically based porous material acoustic Finite Element (FE) simulation modelling, is under development which ultimately will provide the anisotropic elastic coefficients and acoustic properties of the porous layered system. The first step, involving new testing methods, is discussed here and demonstrated for a soft foam.In addition investigations using laser vibrometers combined with finite element modelling of the Panphonics G1 multi-layered panel elements are also discussed. Variations in the mounting conditions, including globally acting restraints, are evaluated through dynamic measurements and acoustic interaction with the surrounding acoustic field. Results from investigations into different changes of the panel design parameters in order to improve the effectiveness in the low frequency range are presented.