Lightweight soundproofing meta-panel for two separate broadband noises

Abstract

We propose a lightweight soundproofing meta-panel, with a multi-scale lattice structure sandwiched between thin membranes, effectively suppressing two separate broadband noises. By adjusting the geometrical parameters, the meta-panel is designed to induce negative effective mass density and negative effective bulk modulus for two distinct target frequency bands: 100–500 Hz and 1000–1500 Hz, thereby achieving high transmission loss that outperforms the mass density law. A meta-panel sample is fabricated via 3D printing technology and we evaluate its sound insulation performance by measuring transmission loss and insertion loss in an impedance tube and an anechoic chamber. Experimental measurements show that the meta-panel can exhibit excellent insulation performance while being significantly lighter in weight (about 5%) compared to a steel plate, and furthermore, it effectively suppresses low-frequency road noise and high-frequency motor noise from an actual electric car.