On Wednesday 15th December we have Neha Sharma will talk to us about her research on the acoustic significance of nonwoven binder fibres. Neha is currently working on a Knowledge Exchange Partnership with industry while undertaking a PhD with us.
The seminar will start at 12:30. Click here to join the meeting
Abstract:
With the intent of producing quieter spaces and conveyances, realizing nonwovens as efficacious acoustic absorbents has been the main motive of this study. The key outcome of my research work aims to provide a correlation between the nonwovens and their acoustic absorption properties as also to contribute towards the formulation of functional models that predict their accuracy and performance capability, thereby developing a novel range of nonwoven products.
Nonwoven fabrics that are manufactured by thermally or chemically bonding fibres, introduce the desired porosity for noise control. Although the knowledge of their functionality is available, several contributing factors including the features related to the geometry of the composition such as fibre shape, length, denier (linear density) and the likes bring out the overall noise control effect. Several studies on the impact of the random nature and orientation of the fibres within the fabric have substantiated their relevance. Not only the macroscopic but also the microscopic characteristics of the fibre seem to have significant effect on the overall insulation or absorption. A simple homogenous mix of fibres is apt for research purposes but when it comes to formulating practical applications, the general tendency is to make use of nonwoven fabrics having an inhomogeneous fibre combination. The interaction of this fibre blend with acoustic waves still seeks an in-depth study.
In the present work, the existing theoretical and numerical approaches for material characterisation and their limitations have been reviewed. The micro- and macro- structure properties of the nonwovens and their correlation with acoustics at the fibre level has been studied. Alongside comprehending the properties of fibres and their interaction with acoustic waves, analytical and numerical models have been formulated that account for complexities. Popularly used experimental test procedures have been used, primarily to obtain physical parameters and then to validate the numerical findings. It has been observed that the multi-fibre component nature of the nonwovens has a significant contribution towards accurately characterizing the material for acoustics.
Majority of this work has been based on the contribution to a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University of Salford and Cosmotec Nonwovens Ltd, funded by the Innovate UK.
Biography:
Neha Sharma is a researcher in Acoustics Engineering and carries competence in Innovation, Management and Leadership. Professionally, she is an Associate Member of Institute of Acoustics (AMIOA) and passionately, a STEM ambassador. After completing her bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from University of Pune, India, she briefly worked at Cummins Emission Solutions India on Design, CFD and Acoustic Live Projects. Her initial work experience motivated her to take up master’s degree by research at the University of Salford. Following which she became a Product Development Engineer on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Salford and COSMOTEC – a textile manufacturing company. The research work led Neha to pursue a PhD at the University of Salford and she is presently in her final year. Currently Neha is working on another KTP as a Materials Engineer with University of Bradford and Kimpton Energy Solutions and Acoustics Engineering.