Assessing acoustic performance of building material: A finite element model for 3D printed multilayer micro-perforated panels with compressed earth blocks

This study deals with 3D printing multilayered micro-perforated panels (M-MPPs) coupled with buildings materials as compressed earth block for noise reduction applications. The sound absorption coefficient α is utilized as a metric to assess the sound insulation capabilities across a frequency range spanning from 10 to 3000 Hz, then evaluated and validated by numerical and experimental methods. The FEM model developed makes it possible to predict the acoustic absorption of M-MPPs by tuning the frequency range and varying optimized acoustics parameters, considering hole-hole interaction and taking into account visco-thermal effects that are present in compressed earth blocks. It is shown that the shape of perforations and material properties including the porosity rate, arrangement in the design of multilayer micro-perforated structures are identified to play a significant role in the sound performance of the entire structure. In addition, the application of MPP coupled with compressed earth blocks improve the sound absorption capacity of the composite structure. The developed FEM leads to accurate prediction of performance, efficient optimization, and cost effectiveness. Finally, the present study reveals the importance of M-MPPs combined with compressed earth blocks (CEBs) as viable noise reduction materials, particularly relevant for engineering applications and development initiatives in emerging economies.