Sociedad Española de Métodos Numéricos en Ingeniería (SEMNI)
Abstract
In this work an energy model for the acoustic insulation of absorbing ma-
terials is shown. This model is an extension of Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) [1] in
order to account for the effect of non-conservative connections [2, 3].
The energy-based approach allows to solve sound insulation problems in large domains
(such as those in building acoustics) in an efficient way for the whole frequency range
required by regulations (50-5000 Hz). In particular, this approach is applied here for the
study of the insulating behaviour of an absorbing layer (mineral wool) filling the cavity of
a double wall. The absorbing layer is considered as a non-conservative connection between
the two leaves of the wall.
This model is combined with detailed numerical computations to obtain the loss factors
associated to the connection. With these parameters, a combined system including the
transmission between rooms and double walls can be stated.
Obtained results show that absorbing layers can be modelled as non-conservative cou-
plings and incorporated in an SEA-like system to compute the sound insulation in buildings
successfully.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version