Optimizing Acoustic Materials through Surface Geometry: A Review of Engineering Strategies and Design Insights

Optimizing the acoustic performance of materials is a crucial objective in architectural and industrial engineering, particularly for controlling sound absorption in enclosed environments. While traditional design approaches emphasize intrinsic material properties such as porosity, thickness, and density, recent advancements in material engineering highlight the significant role of surface geometry in enhancing sound absorption behaviour. This literature review synthesizes recent studies from 2009 to present. This article review explores how engineered surface shapes such as sinusoidal, pyramidal, corrugated, and conical forms can improve acoustic efficiency by promoting scattering, diffraction, and micro-resonance effects. The review examines various testing methods, including impedance tube and in-situ measurements, and discusses how geometric features interact with frequency, air gaps, and mounting configurations. It also identifies limitations in current modelling practices, where surface texture is often simplified or ignored. The insights gathered underscore the potential of geometry-driven design as a cost-effective and scalable strategy for developing high-performance acoustic panels. This review serves as a foundation for future experimental work and simulation-based optimizations aimed at integrating advanced surface design into sustainable and application-specific acoustic materials.