Sound Absorption
While Azdel Onboard® composite was not designed for sound absorption like the foam panels above, it still does a pretty good job
Sound Frequency
Before we dig into the test results, let’s review sound and sound frequency so we have a better understanding what the results mean.
Sound is created as vibrations, usually from contact or friction, propagate as acoustic waves and are transmitted through a medium. The medium could be a gas (air), solid or liquid. Human hearing is the reception and perception of that sound.
Though the audio frequency spectrum is much broader, humans with normal hearing can generally detect sounds between 20 and 20,000 (20K) hertz. Hertz (Hz) is the unit of measure for frequency, equivalent to one wave or cycle per second. As the frequency decreases, the sound pitch gets lower, and vice versa.
Human speech and other common sounds tend to be in the range of 250-8,000Hz.
Sound Absorption Test and Results Comparing Azdel Composite with Lauan Plywood
Using separate and typical wall samples constructed with Azdel Onboard composite and lauan respectively, this test measured absorption levels for both wall types at multiple frequencies in the mid-to-high range using random sounds generated inside an RV. Conducted by an accredited sound lab, the test reveals a dramatic contrast in absorption levels between the wall types, particularly in higher frequencies. As noted above, human speech and common noises are typically in the 250-8,000 Hz range. The upper half of this range is where the performance of the walls truly diverge.
Noise depicted inside RV against sidewall with Azdel
Random Incidence Sound Absorption Coefficients in a Small Reverberation Room (SAE J2883)
Noise depicted inside RV against sidewall with lauan
Walls constructed with 2.7mm Azdel had an average of 41% sound absorption with a peak of 88%. Conversely, the lauan wall averaged 9% absorption and peaked at only 18%. This is largely due the nature of our porous and fibrous material. Some of the sound waves get trapped inside the core, bouncing among the fibers, ultimately getting absorbed or dissipating. The trapping of soundwaves is much like the trapping of air in the porous core, which leads to a higher R-value for our composite. Ultimately, the benefit for the RV owner is a significantly quieter interior, and a far more peaceful and relaxing RVing experience.