METAFOAM: partnerships sought for necessary breakthrough against everyday noise pollution
Noise pollution is a pervasive problem in our modern society that affects our well-being and quality of life. In particular, low-frequency noise, which is common in urban habitats, machinery and engines, is difficult to counteract. Researchers Marc Geers, Varvara Kouznetsova and Hans van Dommelen of Eindhoven University of Technology are working on an innovative solution to this: acoustic meta-foams.
Nuisance from low frequency noise often leads to stress, sleep problems, fatigue, headaches, impaired concentration, hearing loss, high blood pressure and high heart rate or even dizziness and loss of balance. Researchers Marc Geers, Varvara Kouznetsova and Hans van Dommelen from the department of Mechanical Engineering are working on an innovative solution to this: acoustic meta-foams. The functioning of these enriched acoustic foams has been theoretically demonstrated within the ERC-AdG project MECHMAM, and is currently being experimentally tested in the ERC-PoC (Proof of Concept) project METAFOAM and further investigated in the NWO project SUBMETA.
The enriched acoustic meta-foams are a new class of materials, where a mass is implemented in the cavities of the foams. The resonance of all these masses triggers the meta-motion behavior of the resulting meta-foam and is particularly efficient at lower frequencies. This newly developed acoustic foam is more effective than other variants currently used against noise pollution. Whereas currently applied acoustic foams primarily mute medium and high frequencies, the meta foam is particularly effective at low frequencies, helping to eliminate everyday noise pollution that causes many physical and mental complaints (often unnoticed). Such a technical solution to reduce the effect of noise in a wide frequency range is therefore vital for many applications. In addition, it is important that the solution is economically attractive, since large amounts of sound insulation are required in our society.
Partnerships for testing in practice
The experimental experiences from the METAFOAM project must now be practically realized, for which the researchers are explicitly seeking relevant partnerships. In doing so, they are focusing on the meta-foam production methods that have potential for high-volume (and low-cost) production and the validation of the actual performance of the meta-foam. Furthermore, it is important to identify and investigate the extent to which other properties important to the market, such as fire resistance and thermal insulation, can be met.