Prediction of Sound Transmission Loss for Finite Sandwich Panels Based on a Test Procedure on Beam Elements

An approach on the prediction of sound transmission loss for a finite sandwich panel with honeycomb core is described in the paper. The sandwich panel is treated as orthotropic and the apparent bending stiffness in two principal directions is estimated by means of simple tests on beam elements cut from the sandwich panel. Utilizing orthotropic panel theory, together with the obtained bending stiffness in two directions, the sound transmission loss of simply-supported sandwich panel is predicted by the modal expansion method. Simulation results indicated that dimension, orthotropy, and loss factor may play important roles on sound transmission loss of sandwich panel. The predicted transmission loss is compared with measured data and the agreement is reasonable. This approach may provide an efficient tool to predict the sound transmission loss of finite sandwich panels.