Testing | Checking | Measuring

Measuring sound absorption in the impedance tube offers manufacturers and users of absorber materials the opportunity to test their products under standardized conditions. Besides the absorption coefficient, impedance is also measured in order to obtain detailed information about the material. Since only small-sized samples are needed, this method is particularly suitable for developing and optimizing new materials. In addition, fully-developed products can be certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10534-2.

Our state-of-the-art testing facilities at Fraunhofer IBP are specially designed to provide advanced solutions in silencer and component testing. We perform standardized measurements in compliance with DIN EN ISO 7235 to precisely analyze the insertion loss, sound power and pressure losses of your products. Equipped with both rectangular and round test tunnels, our facilities enable us to carry out comprehensive tests on silencers and other components used in ventilation and process air systems. The tests we carry out ensure that your products are developed with the highest quality and efficiency, so you can be certain that your solutions meet the strictest international standards.

At Fraunhofer IBP in the Acoustic Department's acoustically optimized semi-anechoic chamber, you have the opportunity to carry out precise sound measurements under optimal conditions. This chamber simulates the acoustic conditions of a free field above a reflecting plane and makes it possible to accurately determine the radiated sound power and directional characteristics of sound sources. Thanks to the special sound-absorbing materials that line the walls and ceilings, reflections are minimized, and an authentic free field is created.

Our anechoic chamber is a state-of-the-art testing facility specially designed for carrying out precise acoustic measurements. Thanks to the acoustically optimized environment, which corresponds to the conditions of a free field, we can analyze sound sources with the highest accuracy. The walls and ceilings of the chamber are lined with special sound-absorbing materials such as wedge absorbers, which almost completely eliminate reflections. This enables sound power and directional characteristics to be precisely determined in accordance with the DIN EN ISO 3745 standard.

Using our specialized wind tunnel, we can conduct precise analyses of flow noise in accordance with DIN EN ISO 7235. The low-noise air flow allows us to precisely measure the aerodynamic noise generated on surfaces. This helps optimize components for use in ventilation and process air applications. Our tests provide crucial data for improving silencers and other components. We offer comprehensive solutions, particularly in the fields of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, quality assurance and certification, as well as industrial applications and environmental technology. Our services are designed to optimize products with regard to noise emissions and efficiency. With our outstanding testing facility, we help companies perfect their components in terms of sound attenuation and airflow. We use the latest equipment and maximum precision to ensure that the results meet our high quality standards.

Expandable climate simulator (-30 to 80°C and relative humidity up to 90 %) for large and heavy components with a loading bay 3.5 x 4.5 m in size.

Characterizing the infrared reflectance and emissivity of surfaces using a hemispherical blackbody radiator in accordance with DIN 22097 and 15976.

We use nearfield acoustics holography to perform measurements in the frequency range from 800 Hz to 5 kHz. This technique is particularly effective for visualizing sound fields, localizing sound sources and identifying the cause of the noise. With the help of the nearfield hologram, weak points in sound transmission (sound insulation) and various sound sources can be visualized, localized and examined.

By determining airflow resistance in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9053-1, one of the most important characteristics of absorbers can be measured under standardized conditions: airflow resistance in proportion to length. This parameter gives manufacturers and users of absorber materials valuable information about the material properties and can be used to create a calculation model.

Fraunhofer IBP’s silencer testing facility is a state-of-the-art installation for testing and optimizing silencers and aerodynamic components in accordance with DIN EN ISO 7235. Manufacturers benefit from precise measurements of insertion loss, sound power and pressure loss, which serve as a basis for developing efficient, high-performance products. The testing facility makes it possible to study and further develop innovative concepts under controlled conditions. The versatile design of the test tunnel allows it to be adapted to specific customer requirements, while the latest measuring equipment enables detailed acoustic analyses to be carried out. Strict noise control measures ensure that results are not affected by external noise, thus guaranteeing high measurement accuracy and reliability.

Within the scope of the High Performance Indoor Environment (HiPIE) research and development initiative, we at Fraunhofer IBP have built a test environment in which ambient conditions can be varied quickly and easily. This allows us to study human responses such as perception, sensation, experience, and behavior. In addition, using the lab, we can evaluate cause-effect relationships scientifically, quickly and inexpensively. In a freely-configurable space measuring approx. 45 square meters, we can specifically adjust the physical environmental conditions such as acoustics, lighting, room climate and air quality.

Equipment pool of different heating and cooling devices, storage systems, as well as distribution and transfer systems, local heating and cooling networks and various climate chambers as heat/cold sinks (including simulation of tapping hot water).

To determine the radiation exchange between bodies, the emissivity of the surfaces must be known. This can be calculated by applying a specific method (e.g. DIN EN 12898), which is based on spectrophotometric measurements of the reflectance in the infrared spectrum in the wavelength range of 5 µm to 50 µm.

In the Test Laboratory Emission, environment and hygiene among other things determination of gaseous emissions in test chamber and indoor air, determination of organic emissions from non-metallic automotive components as well as Odor analyses are made.

Test Laboratory Hygric properties and inorganic materials

Official testing, feasibility studies, aptitude and quality tests of building materials, building components for example for insulating materials, masonry, windows, doors. Experimental determination and calculation of thermal and energy transmittance, thermal conductivity.

Change in material and component properties due to artificial ageing with combined exposure to UV radiation, temperature, moisture.

The solar reflectance index (SRI) is a relative assessment method of the heating potential of a surface compared to a black and white surface.

Weather-independent test facility with reproducible boundary conditions: The solar simulator reproduces almost all global radiation loads on building components in their original size and original mounting position. Smaller specimen can be irradiated with higher intensity, e.g., aviation.

Characterization of thermal radiation, emissivity and thermal radiation on components using thermography and infrared (IR) sensors.

Test device for determining optical input variables for downstream calculation methods such as DIN EN 410 and DIN EN 52022-3.

Determination of the U-value of glazing, including existing buildings and prototypes, by analyzing filling gas, functional layers and geometry.

The High Performance Indoor Environment (HiPIE) lab is a building physics simulation environment that allows our scientists to explore interactions between humans and the physical environment, as well as to conduct measurements, evaluations and technical developments in the field of thermal comfort.

Light and radiation testing facility: Multifunctional integrating sphere

Determination of the total energy transmittance (g-value) using the calorimetric method for complex glass structures and special constructions.

The "Mixed Reality Experience Lab" enhances virtual reality by further senses: ambient temperature, thermal radiation as well as relative humidity and airflow are made tangible. Building components and materials change their effect in real time. Building owners, planners and product manufacturers can thus see before construction begins whether their wishes regarding indoor climate and comfort match the effect of their plans.

Characterization of the physical and chemical properties of substances or substance mixtures as a function of temperature at a defined heating rate (dynamic measurements) or time at a constant temperature (static measurements).

Determination of substance release from building materials with intermittent water exposure, determination of individual substances and sum parameters.