| Abstrakt: |
Infrasonic windscreens, designed for service at frequencies below 20 Hz, were fabricated from a variety of materials having a low acoustic impedance, and tested against four specifications (the first three in a small wind tunnel): (1) wind-generated noise reduction (“insertion loss”) at a free-stream wind speed of 9.3 m/s, (2) transmission of low-frequency sound from a known source (subwoofer), (3) spectrum of sound generated from trailing vortices (aeolian tones), and (4) water absorption (to determine suitability for all-weather service). The operating principle is based on the high penetrating capability of infrasound through solid barriers. Windscreen materials included three woods (pine, cedar, and balsa), closed-cell polyurethane foam, and Space Shuttle tile material. The windscreen inside diameter ranged from 0.0254 to 0.1016 m (1 to 4 in.), and wall thickness from 0.003175 to 0.01905 m (1/8 to 3/4 in.). A windscreen made of closed-cell polyurethane foam revealed a wind noise reduction of 10–20 dB from 0.7 to 25 Hz, transmission coefficient near unity from 10 to 20 Hz, and spectral peaks beyond 20 Hz due to vortex-generated sound. Following a description of past methods, the principle of operation, and the experimental method, experimental data are presented for a variety of windscreens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
