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Acoustic Mitigation System For Horizontal, Planar Surfaces Onboard Naval Ships
Navy STTR FY2008A - Topic N08-T014 Opens: February 19, 2008 - Closes: March 19, 2008 6:00am EST N08-T014 TITLE: Acoustic Mitigation System For Horizontal, Planar Surfaces Onboard Naval Ships TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes, Sensors ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 500 (DDG 1000), ACAT I OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative, affordable material system that mitigates acoustic radiation through the hull induced by airborne noise in shipboard compartment’s containing Electronic Modular Enclosures (EMEs). DESCRIPTION: Future naval ships will require additional risk mitigation strategies for anticipated acoustic emissions levels in below deck compartments. Currently available acoustic treatment solutions have inferior performance characteristics at frequencies below 200 Hz. The Navy seeks a material system that will provide acoustic mitigation as specified in Reference 2 to reduce airborne noise coupling on horizontal, planar surfaces around EMEs. The material trade space shall include, but not be limited to, the following axes: reduction of noise transmitted through treatment; reduction of vibration as a result of acoustic excitation on the structural panel on which the treatment is attached; material and installation costs comparable to existing solutions; thickness not to exceed 4.25 inches; weight not to exceed 3 lbs/sq. ft.; minimal required maintenance. Concepts proposed shall be composed of materials that are known to be non-hazardous by the USN. Solutions are sought that will provide an additional 2 dB transmission loss better than the current treatments being installed on Navy ships, as well as, provide better performance in band between 60 Hz and 200 Hz. The challenge will be to provide the solution sought within the identified trade space at the frequency ranges specified in Reference 2. Of special interest are solutions proposing innovative, alternative methods of acoustic mitigation including the method by which the solution is applied to horizontal, planar, metallic surfaces in interior shipboard spaces. Acoustic treatment application and installation strategies that use innovative application methods to reduce treatment application manpower costs and improve schedule requirements with regards to current Navy treatments are sought. PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of an acoustic system that will provide the acoustic mitigation as described in Reference 2. Develop an initial concept design identifying potential materials, configuration, application techniques, etc. and establish performance goals and metrics/methods to analyze the feasibility of the proposed solution. Develop a test and evaluation plan that contains discrete milestones for product development for verifying performance and suitability. PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate the prototype(s) as identified in Phase I. Through laboratory testing, demonstrate and validate the performance goals as established in Phase I in an application with a minimum surface area of 1500 sq. ft. Refine and demonstrate the capabilities of the system. Develop a cost benefit analysis and a Phase III testing and validation plan. Provide preliminary installation procedures and address anticipated installation sensitivities. Provide an empirical or physics based plot/graph that will allow a user to predict the performance of the prototype solution on candidate shipboard application(s). PHASE III: Working with the Navy and commercial industry, develop manufacturing and tooling plans for initial production of the treatment. Develop installation procedures for equipment spaces and test in a representative shipboard environment. Refine empirical plot/graph provided in Phase II and demonstrate ability to predict the performance of the material system in targeted shipboard environments. PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Technologies as a result of this topic have direct application to commercial shipbuilding industry such as the cruise industry where the attenuation of noise could impact the quality of life of the customer. Another maritime application would be scientific research vessels/laboratories where the attenuation of noise could disruptive to sensitive equipments and/or test scenarios. Other potential private sector commercial potential include the commercial aerospace industry (fuselage noise reduction) and building construction (conference rooms, concert halls, etc.). REFERENCES: Available at www.dodsbir.net/sitis KEYWORDS: acoustic treatments; airborne noise; structure-borne noise; sound curtains, EME 1st TPOC: Christopher Merrill
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