Composite Panel Noise Reduction via Mass Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current noise reduction systems for aircraft composite panels are labor-intensive, expensive, and add weight, while providing insufficient noise reduction, especially when using composite materials which are known for increased noise radiation compared to metallic structures.
Innovation Solution
A noise reduction system for composite panels that incorporates a core sandwich structure with a mass configuration to reduce the speed of propagating waves, using additional mass elements such as elongate members or patches on the surface or within the panel to slow down shear waves, thereby reducing noise radiation without significant weight or space penalties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional noise reduction systems (dampening systems, fiberglass blankets, acoustic foam) are used, then noise radiation is reduced, but weight increases and installation becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite material structures (sandwich panels with face sheets and cores) to achieve noise reduction. The composite structure combines different materials (metallic face sheets with non-metallic cores or vice versa) to create inherent noise reduction properties without adding separate heavy damping layers, thus reducing noise radiation while controlling system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies structural parameters such as thickness ratios, material densities, and core configurations within the sandwich panel to optimize noise reduction performance. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective noise control without requiring excessive material mass, thereby managing weight effectively.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional noise reduction systems are installed, then some noise reduction is achieved, but the systems require additional space and increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the noise reduction function with the structural panel itself by integrating damping cores and face sheets into a single sandwich structure. This eliminates the need for separate noise reduction layers or attachments, thereby reducing the overall volume required while maintaining noise control effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sandwich panel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, thermal insulation, and noise reduction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated noise reduction components, reducing the total volume and material requirements compared to single-function systems.
3Weight of moving object
If composite materials are used in aircraft structures, then weight decreases and fuel efficiency improves, but noise radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite sandwich structures where the combination of materials (metallic and non-metallic) provides both the weight benefits of composites and the noise reduction characteristics needed to counteract the inherent noise radiation from composite materials, thus maintaining weight advantages while mitigating noise issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies specific material configurations and core structures in targeted areas of the sandwich panel to enhance noise reduction locally. By optimizing the local structure (such as core density, face sheet thickness, and material selection) in noise-prone regions, the system effectively controls noise radiation while maintaining overall lightweight construction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces noise radiation from composite panels more efficiently than existing methods, with a lighter and more compact design that maintains structural integrity and is insensitive to temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
a mass and a configuration to reduce a speed of waves propagating through a composite panel such that noise radiating from the composite panel is reduced
Implementation Method 2
using additional mass elements such as elongate members or patches on the surface or within the panel to slow down shear waves
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, comprising a composite panel (202, 402, 602, 802, 1002) and a number of structures (210, 410, 613, 814, 1013) to reduce noise radiation from the composite panel. The composite panel has a first face sheet (204, 404, 604, 804, 1004, a second face sheet (206, 406, 606, 806, 1006) and a core (208, 408, 608, 808, 1008, 1020) located between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. The structures are layers (212), elongated members (414, 416) or patches (614, 616) which are attached to an outer surface of the first face sheet or elongated members (818, 900) or patches (1016, 1102) which are attached to an inner surface of the first face sheet and located in voids (816, 902, 1018,1106) of the core.