Computational Study of Noise Control of Different Sound Reducing Materials Surrounding Wind-Tunnels

Wind tunnels are frequently utilized in aerospace industries and universities for research, design, or demonstration purposes. However, they can generate high volumes of noise, especially at high wind speeds, posing acoustic hazards to those nearby. Thus, minimizing noise generation from wind tunnels is paramount, especially when the wind tunnel is located within a building shared by many others. Considering that sound generation can be attributed to structural vibroacoustics and flow aeroacoustics, this study aimed to design an effective sound reduction insert using varying materials to reduce noise generation in a newly developed wind tunnel at CBU. In addition to theoretical analyses, COMSOL simulations were conducted to design and optimize the shape, size, and material of the sound-dampening insert. Several materials were selected for their acoustic transmission properties and were systematically tested in wind tunnel settings by varying their thicknesses, shapes, and combinations with other materials. Aeroacoustics simulations demonstrated that the optimal material for sound dampening is gypsum board, with a trapezoidal shape, and a backbone of plywood material.