Modeling and Optimization of a Dual Density Lightweight Acoustic Material

Lightweight acoustic materials (also known as dual density insulators) are being more and more widely used in vehicle sound package application, while their predictive modeling and optimization have been a challenge. A type of lightweight material with dual density felt-membrane-felt configuration is studied in this paper. The acoustic performance modeling and influencing factors of the material are discussed. A multi-variable optimization procedure for this lightweight material was established using ViNAS software, which is based on acoustic transfer matrix method (TMM) in the context of Biot theory and surrogate modeling optimization techniques. The model predictions agree reasonably well with testing data for this type of material. Based on this model, the acoustical performance of the material can be optimized to meet vehicle acoustical requirements.