What is a R&D Acoustic Laboratory?
R&D Acoustic Laboratory, or to be more precise, an acoustic research and development centre is a specialized scientific unit that conducts both research and development of industrial acoustics and vibration. R&D centres play a crucial role in transforming theoretical models and prototypes into functional equipment that solves specific problems in various industries, including automotive, construction,  machinery, and more.

In many cases, the status of an R&D centre is granted by the government authority. Companies that receive this status provide technical and scientific support for specialized industries, ensuring that the solutions they develop meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

The Role of KFB in R&D Acoustic Laboratories
KFB’s Acoustic Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) is a prime example R&D centre. It’s a facility dedicated to sound and vibration research. The team at ARIC specializes in studying everything related to sound—ranging from acoustic properties of material and to sound emission levels of products.

This includes analyzing sound insulation and absorption properties and determining d… what kind of sound a product emits, how it sounds, and measuring the emission levels.

The data collected during these studies are converted into specific values, such as sound transmission loss, sound absorption, acoustic power and sound pressure, which are crucial for evaluating the quality and performance of various products.

Furthermore, ARIC’s research extends to influencing and shaping sound emissions to meet specific needs. This could involve reducing noise levels or modifying the sound characteristics to make them an attractive feature of a product. This ability to tailor sound to specific requirements makes ARIC a vital resource for industries where sound quality is a key factor.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing an Acoustic R&D Laboratory for Research?
Selecting the right sound R&D laboratory depends on the specific objectives and indicators relevant to the study. Often, companies request information on the capabilities of an R&D center to see how their needs can be met. ARIC  lab allows us to reverse this way of thinking. We can customize its equipment and expertise to fit the unique requirements of the client.

Key parameters that may be tested include:

• Acoustic Power Levels
• Sound Quality
• Psychoacoustic Sensations
• Product Defects
• Vibration
• Acoustic Insulation
• Sound Absorption

Different laboratories may focus on specific parameters depending on their target industries. For example, a lab focusing on the construction sector might prioritize absorption and insulation tests, while another serving the automotive industry might concentrate on vibration analysis. ARIC, with its comprehensive resources, supports all industries where acoustic parameters are critical.

Accredited Testing Laboratory – Why Is It Important in Acoustic Research?
Accreditation is a hallmark of quality in acoustic research. It assures clients that the research conducted meets the highest standards and that the results are accurate and reliable. While laboratory accreditation is generally voluntary, it can be mandatory for certain research methods, especially in industries like construction. In the field of acoustics and vibrations, accreditation confirms that the laboratory adheres to recognized standards, ensuring the credibility of the test results. ARIC Testing Laboratory holds accreditation according to ISO 17025 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

ARIC scope of accreditation contains for example:

These accreditations not only demonstrate our expertise but also provide clients with confidence in the precision and reliability of our research.

To ensure continuous growth and meet the evolving needs of our customers, we expand our capabilities with new accreditations each year. We are currently in the process of accrediting the following methods:

R&D Sound Laboratory – What Tests Can I Order?
At ARIC, one of our main objectives is to determine the acoustic parameters of most of the equipment and devices used in various industries. Since our foundation, we have continually expanded our capabilities to offer a wide range of testing methods. But in order to keep a systematic approach to challenges we meet at our work, these methods are tied to the accreditations we hold and the industries we provide our services to.

Scope of activity is not limited to products testingon of products only. For example, a producer manufacturer of some industrial equipment may seek our help in addressing noise emission issues. In such cases, our acoustics team can assess and analyse the noise emission levels and provide recommendations for noise reduction. This could involve designing acoustic protections like silencers, screens, or enclosures to mitigate excessive noise. In ARIC we are providing prototypes and performing experimental validation.

In other scenarios, the manufacturer may involve our center to address noise problems reported by end-users. By conducting thorough analyses on prototypes or finished products, ARIC can offer solutions that enhance the acoustic performance of the equipment, ensuring it meets both cost and quality objectives.

All of the above-mentioned activities require the use of a very wide range of tests, which constitute the core of our know-how.

Acoustic Research and Its Importance in Various Industries
The significance of acoustic research varies across industries, depending on the specific requirements and challenges faced. Some industries require highly specialized tools and software, while others, like construction, demand extensive research efforts.

Based on our experience, the demand for acoustic laboratory services is highest in the following sectors:

• Automotive Industry
• Construction Industry
• Machinery and Equipment Industry
• Vibration Testing
• Electroacoustics

Each of these industries relies heavily on accurate acoustic research to ensure product performance, durability, and customer satisfaction.

R&D Acoustic Laboratory – Case Study
An excellent example of our work can be found in our case study on enhancing window acoustic insulation through hybrid methods. This research highlights the importance of acoustic testing in the construction and manufacturing industries.

 Introduction
The increasing impact of external noise in urban areas necessitates a focus on maintaining acoustic comfort within buildings. The sound insulation of building envelopes, especially windows, plays a pivotal role in mitigating indoor noise, particularly in areas near roads, airports, or industrial facilities. This case study delves into a research article that explores the challenge of designing windows with higher acoustic insulation values and presents a hybrid method for assessing the contribution of glazing and window frame insulation to the weighted sound reduction index (Rw).

Context and Challenges
The urban landscape is grappling with a significant challenge—escalating external noise levels that are detrimentally affecting residents’ overall well-being. As cities evolve, a notable trend in modern architecture emphasizes expansive windows, accentuating the imperative for heightened acoustic insulation. However, this pursuit is met with a burgeoning complexity in window design, as architects strive to achieve optimal acoustic insulation while balancing various other design considerations.

Navigating the intricacies of window design poses a multifaceted challenge. The juxtaposition of architectural trends, such as larger windows, with the imperative for high acoustic insulation introduces a delicate balance that architects must strike. This challenge is further compounded by the need to consider various factors beyond mere sound insulation.

 Literature Analysis of the Problem
The impact of glazing on window insulation has been extensively studied, shedding light on its nuanced effects. Researchers have delved into the recognized significance of the window frame, uncovering its pivotal role in influencing sound insulation outcomes. Additionally, the assessment of window vents on sound insulation, employing a combination of measurement and simulation methods, has provided valuable insights into the impact of ventilation systems on acoustic performance.

 In the quest for innovative solutions, there is a notable exploration of improving window insulation through the integration of enhanced airtight frames, sound-absorbing materials, and cutting-edge metamaterials. These innovative approaches signal a promising avenue for addressing the intricate challenges posed by the intersection of architectural trends and acoustic considerations in window design.

 Context and Challenges

• Urban Noise Impact: The rise in external noise in cities poses a growing challenge to residents’ well-being.
• Architectural Trends: Modern architecture trends involve larger windows, emphasizing the need for high acoustic insulation.
• Window Design Challenges: Designing windows with high acoustic insulation while considering other factors becomes increasingly complex.

Literature analysis of the problem

• Effect of Glazing: Well-studied impact of glazing on window insulation.
• Window Frame’s Role: Recognized significance of the window frame in influencing sound insulation.
• Ventilation Impact: Assessment of window vents on sound insulation, employing both measurement and simulation methods.
• Innovative Approaches: Exploration of improving window insulation through enhanced airtight frames, absorbing materials, and metamaterials.

Research Objectives
The study aims to address the challenge of achieving higher sound insulation in windows by:

• Investigating the contribution of glazing and window frame insulation to the overall sound reduction index.
• Introducing a hybrid (vibroacoustic) method to predict the acoustic performance of windows.
• Utilizing laser vibrometer tests and finite element method (FEM) simulations to evaluate insulation performance.

Methodology
Sound Insulation Measurements

• Conventional Method: Employing the pressure method (EN ISO 10140-2) for sound insulation measurements.
• Hybrid Method: Combining vibration measurements and acoustic modeling using FEM to predict sound insulation.

 Hybrid Method Steps

• Incident Acoustic Power Calculation: Utilizing spatially averaged mean-square sound pressure.
• Radiated Acoustic Power Calculation: Using mean-square vibration velocity and radiation efficiency determined by FEM.
• Sound Reduction Index (Rw) Computation: Comparing incident and radiated power to calculate Rw.

 FEM Simulation

• Building a virtual prototype of the window using Comsol Multiphysics software.
• Including gas-structure interaction to obtain radiation efficiency.

 Laser Vibrometer Tests

• Conducting measurements on a specimen in a reverberation chambers.
• Exciting the sample using a loudspeaker emitting wide-band noise.

 Results
Comparison of Insulation Methods

• Presenting a comparison between conventional and hybrid methods in determining sound transmission loss.
• Highlighting variations in results for different assumptions of the radiation efficiency (σ).

 Insulation Contribution of Glazing and Frame

• Determining the contribution of glazing and window frame to the overall sound reduction index for different σ values.

 Summary and Future Directions

• Hybrid Method Potential: Demonstrating the potential of the hybrid method in quickly assessing the contribution of frame and glazing to total window sound insulation.
• Enhancing Accuracy: Acknowledging the need to improve radiation efficiency values (σ) for more realistic results.
• Future Research: Planning further research to increase accuracy, incorporating laser vibrometer measurements for a more precise FEM model, and expanding the method’s validation on a larger sample size.

 This case study provides a comprehensive overview of the research article, focusing on its objectives, methodologies, and key findings in the realm of enhancing window acoustic insulation through innovative hybrid methods.

 R&D Acoustic Laboratory – Where?
ARIC is one of the few specialized centers fully equipped to conduct the most rigorous acoustic and vibration tests. We cater to professionals involved in the design and parameterization of machines and equipment, who often lack access to dedicated research facilities in acoustics and vibration. To enhance accessibility, our headquarters are strategically located along the main transport route from Germany through southern Poland. The nearby A4 highway ensures efficient equipment transport, while the proximity to Wrocław and its airport allows guests to reach us quickly and comfortably.
At the core of our mission is providing the expertise and resources necessary for high-quality, accredited research, ensuring that products meet the industry’s most stringent standards.