No More Noise: Changing Sound Barriers with Ma | newswise

Newswise – Traffic noise pollution is a major environmental issue, made worse by the increasing number of vehicles. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause health problems such as insomnia, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Traditional methods of evaluating and optimizing sound barriers are often expensive and time consuming. Advances in computational techniques have introduced more efficient simulation-based approaches. Due to these challenges, it is necessary to conduct intensive research to improve the design and effectiveness of sound barriers in reducing traffic noise.

Researchers from Chengdu University and Siegen University have published a Study (DOI: 10.1002/msd2.12087) In International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics In 2023, a semi-analytical meshless method to optimize noise barriers will be introduced. This innovative approach refines acoustic performance by analyzing barrier size and sound-absorbing material distribution, offering a more efficient solution to urban noise pollution.

The research introduces a semianalytical meshless method to evaluate and optimize the performance of sound barriers. By analyzing different shapes such as vertical, half-Y and T-shaped obstacles, the study assesses their acoustic performance using the Burton-Miller-type singular boundary method (BM-SBM). This method simplifies the acoustic impedance boundary conditions and employs the method of moving asymptotes (MMA) to optimize the material distribution. Numerical examples show that the T-shaped sound barrier outperforms others in noise reduction, especially when combined with optimally distributed sound-absorbing material. The optimization process involves a solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) technique, which ensures efficient material utilization. The results show that optimized distribution of sound-absorbing materials significantly enhances noise attenuation compared to full coverage. The study also validates the accuracy of the BM-SBM by comparing it with the finite element method (FEM), which shows excellent agreement in the results.

Professor Faji Wang of Chengdu University, a leading expert in computational mechanics, commented, “Our computational optimization of sound barriers is a major step forward in reducing noise pollution. It leads to more effective noise control with minimal materials, with wide applications in industries. Where noise management is necessary.”

The findings of this study have broad implications for urban planning and public health. By optimizing the design and material distribution of sound barriers, cities can manage traffic noise more effectively, thereby improving residents’ quality of life. This research also offers potential applications in other noisy environments such as industrial areas and construction sites. Furthermore, the semianalytical meshless method provides a scalable solution that can be adapted to different scenarios, paving the way for innovative noise control strategies in various fields.

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Reference

DOI

10.1002/msd2.12087

original source url

https://doi.org/10.1002/msd2.12087

Funding Information

This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China (No. ZR2023YQ005) and the DAAD-KC Wong Postdoctoral Fellowship.

About this International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics

International Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics (IJMSD) is an open-access journal that aims to systematically reveal the important impact of mechanical system dynamics on the entire lifecycle of modern industrial equipment. Mechanical systems can vary in scale and are integrated with electronic, electrical, optical, thermal, magnetic, acoustic, aero, fluidic systems, etc. The journal welcomes research and review articles on dynamics related to advanced theory, modelling, calculations, analysis. Software, design, control, manufacturing, testing, and evaluation of general mechanical systems.