Measuring Acoustic Attenuation of Polymer Materials Using Drop Ball Test

<p>Polymers are often used for vibration damping and energy absorption. The effect of a material in reducing the strength of sound waves traveling through it is called acoustic attenuation. In the past, attenuation has mostly been evaluated in the MHz frequency range, using a pulse generator and transmitting transducer as the wave source. However, most real acoustic activities occur at frequencies up to a few hundred kHz. Here, a simple drop ball mechanism is used to generate acoustic source waves in the kHz range, and the attenuation capacities of several solid materials are measured. The recorded waveforms substantially differ between materials. The results show that among the tested polymers, epoxy attenuates the least, rubbers the most, while polyethylene and polyester are also excellent attenuating materials. The drop ball mechanism is controllable and consistent which may be used for other impact or acoustic emission testing. The effect of mixing in additives for the attenuation capacity of epoxy is also investigated.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Year

2013

Author dc:creator

• Zhang, Yi

• acoustic
• attenuation
• polymers
• drop ball test
• Aerospace Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Polymer Science

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/edt/151

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:edt-1150