Soundproofing: The Diminishing Effect of Media on Sound Intensity and Resonance Modes

Authors

Keywords:

sound insulator, resonance, reduction

Abstract

The aim of the present experiment was to study the transmission of sound through a building by means of replicating a small-scale model of a floor and ceiling apparatus. Therefore, the relationship between input sine wave frequency and sound intensity through a closed apparatus was analyzed. The sound absorbance of various sound insulating materials was compared, and resonance properties of the apparatus was also taken into account. Sound intensity trends were investigated for frequencies within the human hearing range (up to the order of magnitude of 10,000Hz), and different soundproofing material types (porous absorbers and resonators) were compared. It appears that the input sound wavelength (relative to the container size), as well as sound absorption coefficient were both major factors in transmitted sound's intensity. Porous absorbers were found to be the most robust material type at both resonance and non-resonance modes, and the optimal soundproofing material was Material 2. 

Author Biographies

Roberto Nicolas Fedrigo, University of British Columbia

Department of Physics and Astronomy, 2nd Year Honours in Biophysics

Peter Quigley, University of British Columbia

Department of Physics and Astronomy, 2nd Year Combined Honours in Physics and Astronomy

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica (1998). Huygens’ principle.

https://www.britannica.com/science/Huygens-principle. Accessed March 25, 2017.

Georgia State University (2000a). Speed of sound in air. Hyperphysics. http://hyperphysics.phyastr.gsu.edu/hbase/Sound/souspe.html. Accessed March 09, 2017.

Hawkins, K. (2014). Studies and research regarding sound reduction materials with the purpose of reducing sound pollution. Cal. Polytechnic State Uni. USA 1, 1 – 41.

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Published

2019-02-08

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Articles