Modeling ER/MR-based smart panels for noise andacoustic treatment

Applications of Electro-Rheological (ER) or Magneto-Rheological (MR) fluids as typicalsmart materials have been widely investigated over the past decades (since their introductionin 40's). The special application of these materials as a means of noise suppression is not yetinvestigated. Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) sheets can be realized incorporatingER/MR materials. This way, a multilayered damping sheet is obtained with adaptive (tunable)stiffness and damping characteristics. These properties are easily changed in proportionto the electric (magnetic) field applied upon the ER (MR) layer. This notion has been introducedfor semi-active vibration control problems. Herein, such panels incorporating ER/MRmaterial is proposed for adaptive acoustic treatment. Modeling (simulation) of a 3-layeredpanel with the middle layer being ERM (MRM) with adjustable properties is carried out inthis paper. The tunability of transmission/ absorption characteristics of these compositesheets enables making smart panels for adaptive noise and acoustic treatments. An adaptiveperformance can be achieved via changing the properties of such panels, on line, according to some sensor outputs

Keywords:

ER/MR fluid , Multi-layers panel , Transmission loss