Analytical evaluation of the acoustic insulation provided by double infinite walls

The acoustic insulation provided by infinite double panel walls, when subjected to spatially sinusoidal line pressure loads, is computed analytically. The methodology used extends earlier work by the authors on the definition of the acoustic insulation conferred by a single panel wall. It does not entail any simplification other than the assumption that the panels are of infinite extent. The full interaction between the fluid (air) and the solid layers is thus taken into account and the calculation does not involve limiting the thickness of any layer, as the Kirchhoff or Mindlin theories require. The problem is first formulated in the frequency domain. Time domain solutions are then obtained by means of inverse Fourier transforms using complex frequencies. The model is first used to compute the sound reduction provided by a double homogeneous brick wall, with identical panels, when illuminated by plane sound waves. The results are then compared with those provided by the simplified method proposed by London, which was later extended by Beranek (London-Beranek method). The limitations of the simplified London-Beranek model, namely, its applicability only to double walls with identical mass, subjected to plane waves, and its failure to account for the coincidence effect, are overcome by the method proposed. Time signatures are produced to illustrate the different sound transmission mechanisms. Several types of body and guided waves are originated, giving rise to a complex dynamic system with multiple reflections within the solid and fluid layers and the global resonance of the system. The effect of the cavity absorption is considered by attributing a complex density to the air filling the space between the two wall panels. Absorption attenuates the dips of insulation controlled by the cavity resonances. Several simulations are then performed for different combinations of wall and air layer thickness to assess the influence of this variable on the final acoustic insulation. The influence of the air cavity on sound reduction was found to be dependent on the frequency. At low frequencies a better performance was achieved for thicker air layers, while at higher frequencies a thinner air layer is preferable. The use of wall panels with different mass resulted in the wall performing better, particularly for high frequencies. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.