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Understanding Sound Absorption Techniques

Acoustics in Interior Design
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
6 views17 pages

Understanding Sound Absorption Techniques

Acoustics in Interior Design
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ACOUSTIC

S
SPEECH
The vibration of our vocal cords produces human speech. These vibrations are
modified through the throat, nose, and mouth. Each sound that makes up speech
lasts only one-fiftieth to one-thirtieth of a second.

LOUDNESS
Loudness is a measure of the power of sound. The human ear is sensitive to a very
large range of sound power. The way we experience a change in loudness is
subjective; it is not related in a linear way to sound power, which is measured in
watts.
Loudness is measured according to a mathematical logarithmic scale of decibels (dB).
A decibel is a unit for expressing the relative pressure or intensity of sounds on a
uniform scale, from 0 dB for the least perceptible sound to around 130 dB for sound
loud enough to result in the average threshold of pain.
The human ear has a dynamic range from 0dB (threshold) to 120-130 dB.

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ACOUSTIC
S
SOUND WAVES
Sound waves travel at different velocities, depending on the
medium through which they are traveling.
Sound waves radiate spherically from a point source. A point
source, like a tuning fork, is relatively small compared to the
wavelength produced. A line source, like the string of a violin,
creates cylindrical waves. Large vibrating surfaces, like the head
of a large drum, create plane waves. When sound originates
from a source like the human voice, it radiates more strongly in
some directions than in others.
Sound energy, like heat energy, can be absorbed or reflected by
an object.
How much sound energy is absorbed and how much is reflected
by a surface has a significant effect on what one hears within a Sensitivity of hearing
space.
Sound travels fastest in solids. High velocities in Steel, Concrete etc. but low in
wood. If speed is high, absorption is low. In liquids velocity is lower compared to
solids. In gases the velocity is least.

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ACOUSTIC
S
REFLECTED SOUND
When a sound wave strikes a surface that is
large compared to the wavelength, a
portion of the sound energy is reflected
(like light from a mirror) and a portion is
absorbed. The harder and more rigid the
surface a sound wave strikes, the more
sound is reflected. Reflected sound leaves
the surface at an angle equal to the angle at
which it strikes it.

REVERBERATION
Reverberation is the persistence of sound after the source of the sound has ceased, as a result of
repeated reflections.
The sound in a room is a combination of direct sound from the source and reflected sound from walls
and other obstructions. Our ears sense reverberation as a mixture of previous and more recent sounds.
The reverberation time is longer in a room with a larger volume, as the distances between reflections are
longer. When sound-absorbing materials are added to a space, the reverberation time decreases as
sounds are absorbed. 3
ACOUSTIC
S
ECHOES
In very large halls, the delay in receiving the sound from
multiple reflections may cause echoes and produces confusing
sound. Echoes result when repetitions of a sound are produced
by reflection of sound waves from a surface, loud enough and
received late enough to be perceived as distinct from the
source.

ABSORBED SOUND
Absorbed sound is one of the chief acoustic techniques used by interior designers. Soft
porous materials absorb a large proportion of the sound energy that strikes them. When
sound is absorbed, the sound energy flows through the material as heat. Greater thicknesses
of porous materials are required to absorb lower frequencies. Thin fabric wall coverings
absorb only frequencies near or above the top of the audible range of the human ear. Padded
carpet and thick drapery absorbs the majority of sound waves in a higher proportion of the
audible range.

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ACOUSTIC
S
ACOUSTICALLY TRANSPARENT SURFACES
Soft, porous, acoustically absorbent materials are
often covered with perforated metal or other
materials for protection and stiffness. These
coverings are designed to be acoustically
transparent except at higher frequencies. With even
smaller holes, the higher frequencies can also pass
through. Staggering the holes improves absorption.
Open weave fabric is almost completely transparent
to sound, and provides a decorative cover on
absorbent wall coverings.

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ACOUSTIC
S
INSTALLATION OF ABSORPTIVE MATERIALS
The way materials are installed affects their ability to absorb sound. Installing absorptive materials directly
on a wall or ceiling gives the least effective sound absorption. A layer of air between the absorptive
material and a rigid surface works almost as well in midrange frequencies as if the same cumulative
thickness of absorptive material were used, which is useful to know because air is cheaper than other
materials.
Hanging the absorptive material below the ceiling and supporting it away from the walls works better than
attaching material firmly to walls or ceilings. The best way to install acoustically absorbent material is to
hang cubes or tetrahedrons from the ceiling.
For best results, treat the ceiling, floor, and wall opposite the sound source approximately equally.
Treating the ceiling alone may miss highly directive high-frequency waves, which may not reach the ceiling
until the third reflection off a surface.

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ACOUSTIC
S
FIBROUS MATERIALS
Materials absorb acoustic energy by the friction of air being moved in the tiny
spaces between fibers. A material’s sound absorption depends on its thickness,
density, porosity, and resistance to airflow.
One type of acoustical deck consists of a structural deck of perforated steel
backed with an absorptive material, usually fiberglass.
Acoustical deck can also be made entirely of fibrous materials. Fibrous plank is a
rigid material usually made of coarse wood fibers embedded in a cementious mix.
Some planks can be used as structural roof decking. The fibrous surface absorbs
sound, with performance depending upon thickness.
Acoustical foam comes in a number of forms, usually made of polyurethane cells
(PUR). Acoustical foam can have open or closed cells. Air can be blown into and
through open cell acoustical foam. Each cell in closed cell acoustical foam is
sealed, and the material is airtight. Acoustical foam is an excellent sound
absorber if thick enough.
Fibrous batts and blankets of fiberglass or mineral fiber are commonly used for
acoustical or thermal insulation. They may be exposed to the room as a wall finish
behind fabric or an open grill.

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ACOUSTIC
S
CEILING TREATMENTS
Acoustical Ceiling Tile
Acoustical tiles are excellent absorbers of sound within a room, where they help
lower noise levels by absorbing some of the sound energy.
To improve resistance to humidity, impact, or abrasion, tiles are available factory
painted, or with ceramic, plastic, steel, or aluminum facing. Acoustical tile is
made of mineral or cellulose fibers or fiberglass.
Tiles are available in a variety of modular sizes: square tiles range from around 31
cm (12 in.) to 61 cm (24 in.). Rectangular tiles are often 61 by 122 cm (24 by 48
in.). Tiles are also available based on 51-, 76-, 122-, and 153-cm (20-, 30-, 48-,
and 60-in.) dimensions. Typical thicknesses include 13, 16, and 19 mm ( 1/2 ,
5/8 , and 3/4 in.). The thicker the tile, the better the absorption. Edges may be
square, beveled, rabbeted, or tongue-and groove. Acoustical tiles come in
perforated, patterned, textured, or fissured faces. Some tiles are fire-rated, and
some are rated for use in high-humidity areas.
Acoustical tile is usually suspended from a metal grid, but can also be glued or
otherwise attached to solid surfaces. Suspended applications absorb more low
frequency sound than glued-on tiles. Suspended grids create space for ductwork,
electrical conduit, and plumbing lines.
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ACOUSTIC
S
Metal-Faced Ceilings

Perforated metal pans backed by fibrous batts are an


alternative to acoustical tile ceilings. Similar panels may be
used on walls to absorb sound. Perforated metal-faced units
are available for use with suspended ceilings. The metal panels
have wrapped mineral wool or fiberglass fill.
Metal panels are easy to keep clean, have a high luminous
reflectivity, and are incombustible. With the acoustic backing
removed, a perforated unit can be used for an air return.
Linear metal ceilings consist of narrow anodized aluminum,
painted steel, or stainless steel strips.
Linear metal ceilings are usually used as part of a modular
lighting and air-handling system.

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ACOUSTIC
S
Acoustical Ceiling Panels
Acoustical ceiling panels (Fig. 52-3) or boards of treated wood fibers bonded with an inorganic
cement binder are available in a range of sizes, from 31 by 61 cm (12 by 24 in.) to 122 by 305
cm (48 by 120 in.). Available thicknesses range from 25 to 76 mm (1–3 in.), and they come with
a smooth or shredded finish. Acoustic ceiling panels are installed in ceiling suspension systems
or nailed or glued to walls and structural ceilings.
Acoustical ceiling panels have high structural strength and are abuse resistant. They have an
excellent flame-spread rating. Panels can be used across the full span of corridor ceilings, or as
a long-span finish directly attached to the ceiling. They are appropriate for wall finishes in
school gyms and corridors.

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ACOUSTIC
S
WALL PANELS
Acoustical wall panels are used in offices, conference rooms, auditoriums, theaters, teleconferencing centers, and
educational facilities. Wall panels have wood or metal backing and mineral fiber or fiberglass substrates. Fabric
coverings are usually fire-rated. Fabric covered panels are available from 25 to 51 mm (1–2 in.) thick.

CARPET
Carpet is the only floor finish that absorbs sound. Carpets in almost any degree of density, looping, and depth,
especially when used with additional padding depth, produces a high degree of absorption in the middle- to high
frequency range. Carpet can be glued to a floor or installed over an underlayment of hair felt or foam rubber. The
absorption is proportional to the pile height and density, and increases with the thickness of a fibrous pad, unless
the carpet has an airtight backing.

DRAPERIES, FABRICS, AND UPHOLSTERY


Curtains absorb sound if reasonably heavy—at least 500 gm per square meter (15 oz per square yard)—and, more
importantly, if the resistance to air flow is sufficiently high.
Fabrics attached directly to hard surfaces don’t absorb sound. However, fabric that is not airtight and is stretched
over fiberglass or other absorbent materials creates an excellent finish that fully preserves the absorption of the
underlying material. Deep, porous upholstery absorbs most sounds.
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ACOUSTIC
S
ACOUSTIC FOAM
Acoustic foam is an open celled foam used for acoustic treatment. It
attenuates airborne sound waves by increasing air resistance, thus reducing
the amplitude of the waves.
Structure: pieces of foam, often in the shape of cones or triangles on walls,
ceiling and floors.
Features: acoustic foam is a lightweight material made from polyurethane
foam either polyether or polyester, and also extruded melamine foam.
Applications: acoustic foam is primarily used in recording studios to minimize
sound echoes.
However, it can perform the same function in home theaters, manufacturing
facilities, equipment warehouses, home offices, gymnasiums and auditoriums.
it can be placed in any room where an optimal sound mix is desired.
Specification: size: 6' x 3' x 2" (six feet x 3 feet x 2 inch) overall nrc: 0.67

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ACOUSTICS

SEATING

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ACOUSTICS

SEATING TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Seat and back moulded polyurethane self extinguishing foam


• Wide variety of finishes[m1 fire barrier, customized upholstered,plywood or perforated polypropylene and glass
fibre moulded back- good acoustics]
• Moulded aluminium support- Legs are moulded aluminium epoxy finish 2.5 cm for aesthetic improvement as
well as cleaning and maintenance.
• Seats could be numbered [optional] .End arms [ left or right]l with row identification .

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ACOUSTIC
PANEL
Material Detail :
1. Wide sound absorption spectrum
2. High absorption coefficient
3. Dust-free
4. Filled with non-combustible and micro-perforated treated special sound absorbing cotton inside
the aluminum frame, and covered with the fireproof fabric outside.

Feature:
1. wide frequency sound absorption, good sound absorption effect for low, medium and high
frequency sound, the acoustic properties are tested by the domestic authorities, shown as below
2. fireproof, dust free, no formaldehyde pollution
3. strongly decorative, multiple colors and patterns decorative fabric for choose

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ACOUSTIC
PANELS

Application: used in the places needing acoustic


design: hotel, office, cinema, theater, concert hall,
gymnasium, recording room, studio, conference
hall, exchange, business hall, karaoke hall, ball
room, hospital, library, station waiting room,
restaurant, audition room, home theater, etc.

Specification:
Thickness: 50mm standard size: 1200×600×50mm,
600×600×50mm biggest size: 6000×2400×50mm

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DECORATIVE ACOUSTIC
PANELS
MATERIAL DETAIL :
1. any design, any picture can be applied to the panel
2. have both function, acoustic and decoration function
Structure: filled with fiberglass inside, aluminum frame, wrapped
by fiberglass cloth, and covered with the printed fabric on the
surface.
Feature: have both functions, acoustic function and decoration
function
Application: hotel, office, cinema, theater, concert hall,
gymnasium, recording room, studio, conference hall, exchange,
business hall, karaoke hall, ball room, hospital, library, station
waiting room, restaurant, audition room, home theater, etc.
Specification: Thickness: 25mm Standard size: 1200x600mm,
600x600mm The biggest size: 6m*1.6m.

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