What is Acoustic absorption?

Acoustic absorption refers to the process by which a material, structure, or

object takes in sound energy when sound waves are encountered, as opposed
to reflecting the energy. Part of the absorbed energy is transformed into heat and part is
transmitted through the absorbing body. The energy transformed into heat is said to have
been 'lost'.

When sound from a loudspeaker collides with the walls of a room part of the
sound's energy is reflected, part is transmitted, and part is absorbed into the walls. As the
waves travel through the wall they deform the material thereof (just like they deformed the
air before). This deformation causes mechanical losses via conversion of part of the sound
energy into heat, resulting in acoustic attenuation, mostly due to the wall's viscosity.

The fraction of sound absorbed is governed by the acoustic impedances of

both media and is a function of frequency and the incident angle. Size and shape can
influence the sound wave's behavior if they interact with its wavelength, giving rise to
wave phenomena such as standing waves and diffraction.

Acoustic absorption is of particular interest in soundproofing. Soundproofing

aims to absorb as much sound energy (often in particular frequencies) as possible
converting it into heat or transmitting it away from a certain location.

In general, soft, pliable, or porous materials (like cloths) serve as good

acoustic insulators - absorbing most sound, whereas dense, hard, impenetrable materials
(such as metals) reflect most.

How well a room absorbs sound is quantified by the effective absorption area
of the walls, also named total absorption area. This is calculated using its dimensions and
the absorption coefficients of the walls. The total absorption is expressed in Sabins and is
useful in, for instance, determining the reverberation time of auditoria. Absorption
coefficients can be measured using a reverberation room, which is the opposite of an
anechoic chamber.
 Acoustic absorption or Sound absorption is defined, as the incident sound
that strikes a material that is not reflected back. An open window is an excellent absorber
since the sounds passing through the open window are not reflected back but makes a poor
sound barrier. Painted concrete block is a good sound barrier but will reflect about 97% if
the incident sound striking it.

When a sound wave strikes

an acoustical material the sound wave
causes the fibers or particle makeup of the
absorbing material to vibrate. This
vibration causes tiny amounts of heat due
to the friction and thus sound absorption is
accomplished by way of energy to heat
conversion. The more fibrous a material is
the better the absorption; conversely
denser materials are less absorptive. The
sound absorbing characteristics of
acoustical materials vary significantly with frequency. In general low frequency sounds are
very difficult to absorb because of their long wavelength. On the other hand, we are less
susceptible to low frequency sounds, which can be to our benefit in many cases.

For the vast majority of conventional acoustical materials, the material

thickness has the greatest impact on the material’s sound absorbing qualities. While the
inherent composition of the acoustical material determines the material’s acoustical
performance, other factors can be brought to bear to improve or influence the acoustical
performance. Incorporating an air space behind an acoustical ceiling or wall panel often
serves to improve low frequency performance.
What are the examples of Sound absorbers?

Acoustical Foam Panels

is an open celled foam used for acoustic treatment. It attenuates

airborne sound waves by increasing air resistance, thus reducing the amplitude of the
waves. The energy is dissipated as heat. Acoustic foam can be made in several different
colors, sizes and thickness.

These acoustical foams are used in a wide variety of applications ranging

from Recording and Broadcast Studios to Commercial and Industrial Facilities. Available in
Polyurethane or in a Class 1 Fire Rated foam. These products can be applied directly to
walls, hung as baffles or used as freestanding absorbers. Acoustic foam can be attached to
walls, ceilings, doors, and other features of a room to control noise levels, vibration, and
echoes.

Applications: ranging from Recording and Broadcast Studios to Commercial

and Industrial Facilities

Tone Tile White Paintable Acoustical Wall Panels

is a white acoustical wall panel with a soft textured appearance. Their easily
managable sizes provide installers the flexibility to mount acoustical panels around
existing objects. In addition it absorbs reflected sounds in order for reducing echo and
reverberation, these acoustical panels are used to create unique designs and patterns. The
glass fiber core is faced with a paintable covering. This allows you to match or complement
existing wall colors by applying a light coat of flat or matte spray paint.

This panel system is a quick and easy acoustical solution for any
space. These uniquely sized panels can be painted on site to match or complement any
color scheme.

Applications: Recording, KTV bars and Broadcast Station

Fabric Wrapped Panels

Fabric wrapped acoustic panels are a great solution for sound absorption and
noise control for many different types of rooms. The panels are Class A fire rated, and there
are different types depending on your requirements. Panels that absorb sound, barrier and
absorber panels with a mass vinyl sound barrier septum, high impact panels and tackable
panels. They can even have custom artwork on the face.

The Series of Glass Fiber Absorbers includes acoustic Panels, Clouds, Ceiling
Tiles, Corner Bass traps and Baffles. In a variety of colors, sizes, shapes and applications,
the Series of Glass Fiber Absorbers can meet many of your sound control and noise
elimination needs.

Applications: They are used on many different types of rooms; restaurants,

studios, sound recording, broadcast, auditoriums, conference rooms, churches and many
more.

Acoustical Wall Covering.

Acoustical wall fabric is a dimensional fabric that offers excellent acoustical

properties, unmatched fade resistance, and a fire/smoke retardant Class A rating. Sound
Channels is resistant to moisture, mildew, rot, bacteria, and is non-allergenic. Produced
with no VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), ODS’s (ozone depleting substances), heavy
metals or formaldehyde, it's the perfect acoustic fabric for offices, classrooms, conference
centers or any area where speech intelligibility is a critical factor.

Makes for a soft, attractive, sound-absorbing wall covering to improve speech

intelligibility. Acoustic wall fabric is an easy way to soften the sound and reduce reflections
in the speech range. The acoustical fabric is made of a recycled polyester blend fiber for its
inherent stain resistance, durability and easy maintenance.

Applications: offices, classrooms, conference centers or any area where

speech intelligibility is a critical factor.

Ceiling Tiles.

Ceiling tiles are versatile and can add beauty to any room. tile made in
various sizes and textures from soft, usually fibrous, sound-absorbing material, as wood,
cork, or metal, and typically applied to ceilings or walls.

Ceiling Tiles absorb noise and block sound transmission. These ceiling tiles
are designed to fit into existing 2' x 2' suspended drop tile ceiling grid systems. They may
also retrofit in a 2' x 4' ceiling grid by installing cross tees. ceiling tiles may also be varied as
a full 24" x 24" size, un-backed for adhesive mounting directly to walls or ceilings.
 Applications: Used in concert hall, auditoriums, Audio Visual Rooms in
spaces or rooms that needs the best sound and is of oral/ vocal uses at all times.

Baffles and Banners for Ceilings.

Baffles are an economical way to reduce sound pressure levels and lower
reverberation times in large spaces such as gymnasiums, theaters, restaurants, health and
fitness clubs, etc. Reverberation times can be lowered from a RT60 of 4 - 9 seconds down to
a RT60 of 0.5 - 2 seconds.

Banners are suspended from ceilings, bar joists or pre-engineered

suspension systems. They are designed to hang in a horizontal or catenary fashion using
washer plates or stiffeners. Festoon dimensions range from 30” min. to 72” max.

Baffles and Banners are designed to solve acoustical problems economically

in any large cubic volume space such as arenas, gymnasiums, theaters, restaurants, and
auditoriums. Reverberation times that range from 4 to 9 seconds can be reduced to 1/2 to
2 seconds. Speech intelligibility is greatly improved and sound intensity levels are reduced
simultaneously by 3 to 12 decibels.

Sound Absorption: (Sabins per 2’ x 4’ unit)

125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 4000 Hz
3.02 5.11 10.21 12.80 11.92 8.95

Wedge Ceiling Baffles

Panels and hanging baffles are uniquely suited for environments where
temperatures are high, sparks or other hot materials may fly, large numbers of people
congregate, or high technology is used. It withstands constant temperatures up to 320°F, as
well as meeting all Class 1 regulations for flame spread, smoke density, and fuel
contribution.
Materials are constructed of lightweight, porous acoustic melamine. The
material's internal structure is a spacious cellular complex of slim, flexible webs. These
elastic filaments are fiber-free and completely open-celled.
 Applications: Hanging baffles are ideal for manufacturing areas and other
high noise interior environments.

Fiberglass Blankets and Rolls

Fiberglass Rolls are used to improve speech intelligibility. The quilted

fiberglass material is available in various layered configurations. One combines noise
barrier performance and efficient sound absorption. Single or double faced material can be
used to field fabricate sound proof enclosures, to add sound absorption around noisy
machinery or used as an effective material for wrapping pipe, ductwork and noisy HVAC
systems. Installation accessories such as grommets, grommet tool kit, edge stapler and
binding tape are available.

Fiberglass Blankets, Rolls & Panel Curtains combine absorption and barrier
material for use in areas that require tough, flexible materials and provide a surface that
can be wiped clean. These can be great for machine and industrial enclosures, recording
GoBos, and can be hung as temporary acoustical panels. The Quilted Fiberglass Materials
are available in panels or in rolls for easy to hang absorption or a do-it-yourself approach.
 Application: Add sound absorption around noisy machinery or used as an
effective material for wrapping pipe, ductwork and noisy HVAC systems. Or very loud areas
like Utilitiy rooms with mechanical machinery. Fiberglass Blankets are used to improve
speech intelligibility.

Geometrix Broadband Bass Trap

Geometrix Broadband Bass Trap is a sculptured sound absorbing panel used

for wall, corner and ceiling applications. Available in half-rounds or quarter-rounds. This
unit can be installed vertically or horizontally to create dynamic installations.
Geometrix™ are useful in acoustic treatments for studios, theaters or settings that require
critical listening and low frequency reduction.

The Geometrix is wrapped on the exposed face, top and bottom with
a Guilford of Maine FR701 2100 Series woven polyester fabric. Z-clips or adhesive are
recommended mounting methods. Geometrix demonstrates outstanding performance in all
sound frequency ranges. Tests measure 1.54 Absorption at 125 Hz

In addition to standard fiberglass absorbers, custom products to address

specific acoustical needs. These include materials that both absorb and diffuse or reflect
sound, of have custom facings and custom graphics. Products can be customized to meet
specific requirements should you need material sized to fit, meet acoustical specifications
or covered with various fabrics.
Building
Utilities 3
(Sound Absorption)