Problem
Have you checked around your flat to see if any mould is growing...?
Insufficient ventilation leads to damp, mouldy homes and significantly elevated respiratory disease rates. These diseases are NZ’s third most common cause of death. Maori and Pasifika are the worst affected, with hospitalization rates over twice that of other groups and even higher for children. Passive trickle ventilation alone produces inadequate air turnover. Partially open windows are an effective remedy, but external noise pollution's considerable impact on occupant well-being limits adoption.
Science
Research has shown that vibroacoustic metamaterials can absorb or reflect specific frequency bands of sound waves propagating through air. Recent advances in metamaterials and metasurfaces have created an opportunity to develop effective wideband sound attenuating systems that allow free air passage based on acoustic resonance. Students will exploit interactions between different acoustic metamaterials, window reveals to enable ventilation with reduced noise intrusion. We aim to create high-performance sound insulation systems that reduce noise transmission through an ajar window to an acceptable level.
Why choose this project:
This is an opportunity to have a balanced project, where you can design, model and test a prototype system, we especially want students who like to make and testing things. You will also have an opportunity to make an impact on the health and wellbeing of our society by designing the next-generation window system for a more healthy home.
· Experimental testing of window systems on both small and large scale
· Fabrication of small and large-scale panels using 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC routing
· Modelling of the systems using COMSOL software and analytical methods.
· Potential for commercial outcomes and industry contacts
Team
The Acoustics Testing Service is a world-class commercial testing facility at UoA and as such, has an extensive range of industry contacts in the construction industry and a large array of experimental testing equipment used for testing to the G6 building code.
As part of the Acoustic Research Centre at the University of Auckland (UoA) Supervisors Dr Andrew Hall and Dr Vladislav Sorokin, have worked for the past 15 years in metamaterials and metasurfaces. In addition, you will have guidance from Senior Technologist Gian Schmid and Dr George Dodd.
Undergraduate
None
Acoustics Lab (City 422.154, Lab)