Low-frequency sound absorption of a tunable multilayer composite structure

Our work investigates a tunable multilayer composite structure for applications in the area of low-frequency absorption. This acoustic device is comprised of three layers, Helmholtz cavity layer, microperforated panel layer, and the porous material layer. For the simulation and experiment in our research, the absorber can fulfill a twofold requirement: the acoustic absorption coefficient can reach near 0.8 in very low frequency (400 Hz) and the range of frequency is very wide (400–3000 Hz). In all its absorption frequency, the average of the acoustic absorption coefficient is over 0.9. Besides, the absorption coefficient can be tunable by the scalable cavity. The multilayer composite structure in our article solved the disadvantages in single material. For example, small absorption coefficient in low frequency in traditional material such as microperforated panel and porous material and narrow reduction frequency range in acoustic metamaterial such as Helmholtz cavity. The design of the composite structure in our article can have more wide application than single material. It can also give us a novel idea to produce new acoustic devices.