Prediction of the acoustic behavior of a parallel assembly of hollow cylinders

In this paper, an approach to predict the sound absorption coefficient and sound transmission loss of a parallel assembly of hollow cylinders is presented. This approach is based on image processing and the Parallel Transfer Matrix Method (PTMM) using four Johnson-Champoux-Allard effective fluids. First, effective parameters of each fluid are identified using geometrical considerations and numerical simulations. Then, the approach is validated for a stack of uniform plastic straws, and used to model a natural stack of non-uniform switchgrass straws. Finally, two parametric studies are conducted to evaluate the effects of the geometric parameters of the straws on the acoustic behavior of their stack. It is shown that there are optimal parameters that maximize the acoustic behavior at specific frequencies.