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Broadband thin sound absorber based on hybrid labyrinthine metastructures with optimally designed parameters
Yong-Xin Gao1, Yuan-Peng Lin1, Yi-Fan Zhu1
1Key Laboratory of Modern Acoustics, MOE, Institute of Acoustics, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People's Republic of China.
Scientific Reports
|July 3, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a thin, broadband acoustic absorber using a hybrid resonator design optimized with a genetic algorithm. This novel acoustic absorber achieves high sound absorption in a deep-subwavelength thickness, offering practical applications in architectural acoustics and noise reduction.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Thin broadband acoustic absorbers are crucial for architectural acoustics and noise control.
- Achieving high sound absorption with limited thickness remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically design, numerically simulate, and experimentally demonstrate a planar acoustic absorber with deep-subwavelength thickness.
- To achieve broadband sound absorption with a thin profile and wide incident angles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a hybrid unit cell design with multiple coiled resonators to broaden bandwidth and reduce device size.
- Employed a genetic algorithm for optimal design of resonant elements.
- Derived an analytical formula to predict absorption efficiency and accelerate optimization.
Main Results:
- The proposed absorber exhibits a planar profile, broad bandwidth, and wide absorption angles (up to 60°).
- Achieved deep-subwavelength thickness (less than 1/25th of the wavelength).
- Experimental results align well with theoretical predictions, demonstrating high sound absorption.
Conclusions:
- The novel design offers a simplified fabrication process, independent of specific sound-absorptive or solid materials.
- The developed acoustic absorber shows significant potential for practical applications requiring broadband noise elimination in confined spaces.

