Acoustic metamaterials
Design, modelling and fabrication of resonant absorbers for architectural acoustics.
Photos: NBBJ
Conventional porous absorbers struggle with low-frequency sound unless they are made impractically thick. This project develops arrays of Helmholtz resonators — machined directly into Cross Laminated Timber panels — that absorb targeted, broadband low-frequency noise in open offices and other architectural spaces. The work combines analytical radiation-impedance models, numerical simulation, digital fabrication and on-site measurement, and received an AIA Seattle Honors Award of Merit in 2022.
Collaborators
- Vidhya Rajendran — UW Department of Architecture
- Andy Piacsek — Central Washington University
- NBBJ
- Arup Acoustics
Publications
- Design of broadband Helmholtz resonator arrays using the radiation impedance method
- Thin Helmholtz resonators for a broadband acoustic metamaterial
- Design of efficient low-frequency sound absorbers using an array of Helmholtz resonators