Ultra dB layers

High Performance Acoustic Insulation

Ultra-dB™ high performance acoustic insulation provides superior noise reduction and is 48% lighter and 25% thinner than other laminate acoustic insulation. Its six-layer design and random-composition damping layers block a wider spectrum of frequencies. When sound waves strike Ultra-dB, the particles in the damping layers dissipate the energy while the foam layers absorb and lower the remaining sound. Ultra-dB is applicable for a wide range of uses and successfully dampens noise in marine, HVAC, research, construction and other commercial applications.

Ultra-dB acoustic insulation delivers:

• Superior noise reduction across a broad spectrum of frequencies
• Unique, six-layer noise control solution
• 48% less weight and 25% less thickness
• High quality polyether foam provides 4x the life of polyurethane
• Convenient, self-adhesive backing for easy installation
• CE compliance pending
• Softer than traditional foam without the use of placticizers

A wide frequency band solution

Spectrum Analysis

While many materials block sound, no single material blocks noise. The sound spectrum analysis on the right shows a 3-cylinder diesel engine running at 2,800 RPMs. The noise it emits includes frequencies ranging from 22Hz to over 11kHz. Because no single material can effectively block all these frequencies, the only way to attenuate this kind of extreme noise is to select a combination of materials which work together across a broad sound spectrum.

The physics of multilayer acoustic insulation materials
Noise is energy and, although you can’t get rid of energy, you can change its form. Acoustic insulation changes the energy contained in sound waves into heat. The more effectively it does this the greater the sound reduction.

Traditional multilayer “foam-vinyl-foam” insulations are an attempt to attenuate a wider range of frequencies than possible with one material alone. Manufacturers often describe individual layers by their functionality, hence the “absorption-damping-decoupling” layers.

The “absorption” layer (nearest the noise source) is comprised of foam which is of a density that allows it to attenuate higher frequency sound waves.

Because the resonant frequency of foam is quite high (above 250 – 500 Hz), lower frequencies pass through virtually unaffected. Attenuating lower frequencies is much more difficult and is the primary function of the “damping” layer.

The damping layer in conventional sound materials is a typically very heavy (lead or a filled vinyl) composite that relies on high mass to provide a lower resonant frequency and convert the energy contained in these waves into heat. Unfortunately, the weight of the damping layer causes a new problem. If the vibrating mass transfers this energy to another surface (such as a wall or bulkhead) the noise is simply transferred through. It is the job of the “decoupling” layer to prevent this.

The Ultra-dB difference
While conventional acoustic insulation materials work well if you use a sufficient weight and thickness, Ultra-dB provides greater noise reduction using thinner, lighter materials. Rather than using a uniformly molded sheet, our damping layer is a composite made up of randomly adhered elastomeric particles of varying sizes, shapes, weights, densities and durometers. When sound waves strike, different particles within the layer resonate depending on the frequency of the wave. At any given frequency only a fraction of the particles vibrate. Each vibrating particle is loosely suspended between other particles, most of which do not resonate at the same frequency. This permits the energy contained within the vibrating particle to be dissipated into the adjacent material rather than through movement of the entire layer.

The result is better attenuation over a wider frequency range.

Image of the BARRIER Ultra-dB damping layer reveals its granular, non-uniform composition

To learn more about how Ultra-dB can give you the peace and quiet you have been looking for, follow these links:

• A quick lesson in acoustic attenuation
• Spectrum Analysis – Click for larger image
• Standing waves (defined)
• 1.25 inch Ultra dB panel STC report
• 1.5 inch Ultra dB panel STC report