Date of Award
Spring 4-2013
Access Type
Thesis - Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
Department
Aerospace Engineering
Committee Chair
David J. Sypeck
First Committee Member
Daewon Kim
Second Committee Member
Frank J. Radosta
Abstract
Polymers are often used for vibration damping and energy absorption. The effect of a material in reducing the strength of sound waves traveling through it is called acoustic attenuation. In the past, attenuation has mostly been evaluated in the MHz frequency range, using a pulse generator and transmitting transducer as the wave source. However, most real acoustic activities occur at frequencies up to a few hundred kHz. Here, a simple drop ball mechanism is used to generate acoustic source waves in the kHz range, and the attenuation capacities of several solid materials are measured. The recorded waveforms substantially differ between materials. The results show that among the tested polymers, epoxy attenuates the least, rubbers the most, while polyethylene and polyester are also excellent attenuating materials. The drop ball mechanism is controllable and consistent which may be used for other impact or acoustic emission testing. The effect of mixing in additives for the attenuation capacity of epoxy is also investigated.
Scholarly Commons Citation
Zhang, Yi, "Measuring Acoustic Attenuation of Polymer Materials Using Drop Ball Test" (2013). Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses. 151.
https://commons.erau.edu/edt/151
Included in
Aerospace Engineering Commons, Materials Science and Engineering Commons, Polymer Science Commons
