In the world of architectural acoustics, finding effective and aesthetically pleasing solutions for sound absorption has always been a challenge. A recent study, led by Ozgur T. Tugut and a team of international researchers, has presented an innovative approach to this problem: ceramic-tiled walls with tuned cavities. The idea is to transform rigid walls into heterogeneous absorbing surfaces by structuring them with cavities, effectively turning them into broadband sound absorbers.
The team’s methodology is based on the principles of Helmholtz resonators, a type of acoustic resonator that can be used to absorb sound at specific frequencies. In this case, the empty joints between ceramic tiles serve as the resonator necks, while the space between the tiles and the wall acts as the resonator chambers. By arranging these resonators in a spatially graded array, the researchers were able to achieve broadband sound absorption, with a particular focus on low-frequency noise.
The study is comprehensive, encompassing the entire process from numerical modeling and analytical formulation to the fabrication and mounting of the resonant tiles, and finally, experimental validation. The results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution in real-world conditions. The ceramic-tiled walls were able to absorb a significant amount of sound, particularly in the low-frequency range, which is often a challenge in room acoustics.
The implications of this research are significant. The proposed solution is not only effective but also practical and aesthetically pleasing, making it highly suitable for architectural applications. It offers a new way to approach room acoustic treatment and noise mitigation, particularly in spaces where ceramic tiles are already a part of the design. The findings highlight the strong potential of this approach for practical tiled room acoustic treatment and noise mitigation, opening up new possibilities for the future of architectural acoustics.
