Aerogel insulation blankets for shipboard noise suppression
Small Business Information
30 Forbes Road, Building B, Northborough, MA, 01532
AbstractHigh noise levels on aircraft carriers from onboard flight operations impart tremendous implications, including miscommunication during combat and training, reduced crew combat effectiveness from stress and fatigue, and medical expenses from hearing damage. To mitigate the cost and safety concerns, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Occupational Safety and Health Requirements stipulate that new ship designs incorporate acoustical treatments so that the equivalent noise level at watchstander stations is less than 84 dBA. To accomplish this objective, the Navy wants to develop new sound insulation which surpasses current state-of-the-art materials for passive noise reduction. Prior efforts have shown that aerogel insulation blankets, developed for thermal purposes only, have potential to absorb sound. On the proposed effort, Aspen Aerogels, Inc. will optimize those aerogel blanket materials specifically for acoustic noise suppression. Aspen will vary chemical composition, density, and pore size, as well as include hybrid material solutions. Phase II will scale up development and perform full testing needed to qualify the system for shipboard use. Overall, the proposed aerogel insulation will be cost effective, light-weight, and able to satisfy thermal, smoke, and fire barrier requirements.
* information listed above is at the time of submission.