Use of metamaterials to reduce underwater noise generated by ship machinery

Reducing underwater noise pollution from ship machinery is a significant challenge. Ship machinery usually operates at fixed speeds and emits tonal noise with large amplitudes at low frequencies. Conventional soundproofing materials are inadequate for absorbing tonal noise and require large thicknesses at low frequencies. Quarter-wavelength resonators effectively absorb sound at their fundamental frequency and odd harmonics. Still, the applicability of this solution is nevertheless limited by its length requirement, which becomes cumbersome at low frequencies and, thus, large wavelengths. This study explores different structured metamaterial designs based on labyrinth, coiled quarter-wavelength resonators, and hybrid configurations combining glass wool and coiled resonators. Analytical, numerical calculations, and experimental tests are carried out under normal plane wave incidence (using an impedance tube) and a diffuse acoustic field (in a small reverberant cabin). In particular, a numerical optimization based on a periodic unit cell model is used to optimize the hybrid configuration and analyze its behavior under variable plane wave incidence angles. Preliminary tests conducted in a water basin using a small, straightforward aluminum box equipped with some proposed designs indicate reductions in underwater noise levels. The proposed solutions offer limited-cost and compact solutions for mitigating machinery noise and, potentially, the preservation of marine ecosystems.