Identification of physical parameters influencing the acoustic properties of composite sandwich panels

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Comtek Advanced Structures, a Canadian company based in Burlington, Ontario, has developed through the years an expertise in composite manufacturing. Comtek is now tackling the problem of sound attenuation in composite sandwich floor panels used in commercial, regional, and business aircrafts. Composite floor panels typically comprise a lightweight core material sandwiched between two thin skins. This architecture leads to light weight structures having excellent structural properties; however, the lightness of these panels eases the propagation of acoustic and mechanical vibration, causing passenger discomfort and damage of electronic system. Sound attenuation in such sandwich structures can be improved through modification of the construction parameters such as thickness, density, and mechanical properties of the core and/or skin. However, sound scientific understanding of the sound attenuation mechanisms is needed in order to develop engineering methods that would facilitate floor panel designs capable of achieving targeted acoustic performance. Polytechnique Montreal has an expertise in composite materials and has developed great knowledge in composite damping. Researchers at Polytechnique Montreal will work closely with Comtek to identify the physical parameters affecting the sound attenuation in composite floor panels. Materials and assembly of the sandwich panels will be studied to assess which parameters are most influential, such as damping material, thickness, density and stiffness of the constituents, the use of foam core, and the inclusion of perforated skins or septums. Based on the results of this project, Comtek will continue its collaboration with Polyetchnique Montreal to further develop an optimized panel configuration. Experimental data collected from this project will be used for analytical validation, and the lessons learned will guide future research efforts. Such a combined approach will provide Comtek with a valuable design tool that can be used to develop custom made aircraft floor panels having targeted acoustic properties.