Acoustics influence the perception of quality: Products that work quietly are perceived as of higher quality. In product tests, acoustics is a decisive feature that influences market success. M.TEC as a product developer knows about the physical relationships concerned. For your technical products, we provide innovative and economical acoustic solutions.
Noise as an unwanted side effect
During the operation of products and devices, noise can occur as an unwanted side effect.
Flow induced noises
Noise is caused by flow phenomena. The cause lies in a detachment or break-off of the flow. Such a stall occurs, for example, through
- Abrupt cross-sectional changes in the flow channel ("steps")
- Unfavorable flow of elements in the flow channel (Kármán vortex street as a possible consequence)
- Reduced flow cross-section (leads to increased flow noise)
Noise due to structure-borne sound
Vibration of bodies or components can also lead to noise emission. This structure-borne noise is caused by impacting, rotating or vibrating forces, for example in an electric motor driving a fan wheel. The mechanical excitation of the body or component can also be caused by flow. In this case, the component is exposed to an unfavorable flow so that vibration excitation occurs.
Targeted noise control
Removal of disturbing noise
There are different ways to modify disturbing noise so that it no longer attracts (negative) attention:
- Reduction of the noise
- Complete elimination of the noise
- Change of the noise to a more pleasant sound
The challenge in eliminating the causes is primarily to maintain functional performance and efficiency. The basis for this is a holistic, detailed analysis of the noise generation. This results in numerous possible solutions which need to be evaluated in terms of their efficiency and economy.
Sound design
If a sound is desired, but the achieved sound quality is not satisfactory, there are different approaches to influencing the sound. The sound quality is specifically adjusted.
Methods and development tools
The methods for measuring and simulating acoustics are constantly improving. This includes the following aspects:
- Acoustics Simulation
- Modal analyses
- Natural frequencies, natural shapes, modal damping
- Developing vibration-optimized designs
- Implement vibration-reducing measures retrospectively
- Binaural noise measurement