Choose Honeycomb Core Composites When Acoustic Properties Matter

Different types of composites have unique characteristics that make them ideal for certain applications. When it comes to honeycomb core composites, one of their main advantages is acoustic superiority. When acoustic properties matter, we recommend choosing a honeycomb core material.

Honeycomb core composites are known for their excellent acoustic properties, giving them an advantage when there is a need to improve sound insulation and noise reduction. Not only that, but research and innovation are only increasing the acoustic benefits of going with a honeycomb core.

Honeycomb Core Composite Products for Transportation

Aside from their acoustic benefits, honeycomb core products are appreciated in the transportation and logistics industries because they are lightweight and strong. Can they be made better? Certainly. Different skins can hold up better to a variety of environmental influences. Likewise, different core materials offer different properties, depending on need.

The products chosen for aerospace applications could be quite different compared to materials used for commercial trucking or maritime purposes. Regardless, they all need to be tough enough to do the job and light enough to meet specifications. The challenge in the acoustics department is to improve acoustical performance while still preserving strength and maintaining the lowest possible weight.

A more deflective skin might make a honeycomb panel better at minimizing sound wave penetration. Injecting a honeycomb core with a foam material could improve its ability to absorb, and thereby dampen, sound. Honeycomb structures are already acoustically attractive for applications requiring sound absorption and reduction. They are among the preferred composites for minimizing the noise levels associated with commercial trucking, passenger flight, train travel, and a variety of similar transport scenarios.

How It All Works

Starting with a honeycomb core is a solid strategy for controlling noise. Why? Because the cellular structure of a honeycomb core is ideal for sound absorption and dampening. You get superior acoustic properties in both directions. For example, consider a tractor trailer.

Sound absorption makes for a more comfortable trip for the driver. Over long periods of time, a quieter ride makes for a more enjoyable work environment. But other drivers and pedestrians benefit, too. Increased sound insulation and absorption reduces the noise produced by the truck as it travels down the road.

The same properties can be applied to rail transport. Imagine trains that make less noise and are quieter for passengers. Injecting a honeycomb core with an expanding foam only increases the material’s ability to absorb sound and reduce noise. Other things to consider include:

• Geometry – Just by adjusting a honeycomb core’s geometry, a sandwich panel’s natural frequencies can also be modified. Customized frequency parameters allow for better panels depending on application.
• Sound Reflection – Honeycomb core panels can be manufactured with a variety of skin materials. The chosen skin impacts how a material reflects sound waves. Combining the right skin with the modified geometry can yield amazing results.
• Panel Properties – Acoustic honeycomb core panels can be customized to meet specific requirements. Everything from cell size to core thickness and insertion depth is up for grabs.

The honeycomb core has always been ideal for applications in which acoustic properties are important. Meanwhile, ongoing research continues to find new ways to make the technology better. By modifying geometry, experimenting with new materials, and using preferred materials in new ways, we are enhancing the honeycomb core’s acoustic properties.

Does your organization need lightweight composites with superior sound insulation and noise reduction properties? If so, we encourage you to consider a honeycomb core material. Axiom Materials may have exactly what you are looking for. Contact us to learn more.