Theoretical Estimation of the Sound Absorption Coefficient of Glass Wool Materials Using Computed Tomography Images

Various models exist for predicting the sound absorption coefficient of porous materials, including the capillary model within the Rayleigh model. However, many of these models require an acoustic parameter known as ventilation resistance, which is difficult to determine theoretically for fibrous materials such as wool. This study theoretically estimated the sound absorption coefficient of glass wool using computed tomography (CT) images. Voids within the glass wool were approximated as clearances in two parallel planes. Sound absorption characteristics were theoretically estimated by determining the propagation constant and characteristic impedance within these voids. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis accounted for the tortuosity of the material. During CT image processing, corrections were applied to approximate the actual fiber surface area by accounting for the fiber inclination relative to the direction of sound wave incidence. This correction was determined by approximating the fiber cross-section visible in the CT image as an ellipse and using the resulting ellipticity. A two-microphone impedance measurement tube was used to measure the normal incident sound absorption coefficient. The proposed method provides fundamental insights into the model-based development of sound-absorbing materials and is expected to contribute to cost reduction by eliminating the need for conventional air permeability tests.