Tri-Cell-p satellite honeycomb acoustic metamaterial for enhanced low-frequency sound absorption

Low-frequency noise control is challenging, as traditional absorbers need large cavity depths. This study introduces a Tri-Cell-p Satellite Honeycomb Acoustic Metamaterial with P-shaped cavities and micro-perforations near cavity walls. Its acoustic performance was evaluated using transfer matrix modeling, COMSOL finite element simulations, and impedance tube tests. The Cell-p metamaterial, with a 20 mm cavity depth, achieved a peak absorption of 0.94 at 700 Hz, a 340 Hz (49%) lower resonance than a conventional honeycomb’s 0.78 peak at 1040 Hz. Parametric analysis showed micro-perforation positioning tuned resonance from 700–1040 Hz while maintaining absorption above 0.83. Narrow cavity regions near perforations, under 5% of total volume, contributed ∼40% of energy dissipation due to thermoviscous effects. The full Tri-Cell-p configuration displayed dual resonances at 880 Hz and 1040 Hz, broadening effective absorption (α > 0.5) to 720–1150 Hz and boosting the 500–1000 Hz average absorption by 44.2%. These results guide the design of compact, high-efficiency acoustic metamaterials for low-frequency applications.