Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBPSound absorption in the low-frequency range is a challenge both in acoustically-demanding rooms such as studios, concert halls, opera houses, classrooms, seminar rooms and offices, and in rooms for general use. Undamped room modes or booming cause discomfort and impair speech intelligibility. Room acoustics are also subject to occupational health and safety requirements.. Fraunhofer IBP has been developing innovative and environmentally friendly alternative absorbers such as membrane absorbers, VPR, BKA, ASA, etc. for more than 30 years. A particular strength of our scientists lies in the field of low-frequency acoustics.
Bassorber
Project goals
In the “Bassorber” project, a comprehensive calculation tool developed at Fraunhofer IBP is used to accelerate and optimize the development of absorbers. The tool not only allows the absorption coefficients of almost all absorber structures to be optimized, but also the interaction between the absorbers.
In order to absorb low-frequency sound, constructions usually have to be substantial and elaborate. These require a lot of space and materials and decrease the usable floor space. Using the calculation tool developed in the project, a new type of absorber based on a Fraunhofer IBP patent is to be developed and then brought to market maturity and licensed. A so-called wooden spring makes the plate resonator more elastic, so that low-frequency sound can be absorbed more efficiently and sustainably with thinner acoustic materials.
Based on the experience gained from the utilization process, in the next step further materials will be developed using the calculation tool. This lays the foundation for a variety of potential licenses in the field of effective room acoustic absorbers.