Sound absorption with metamaterials: Whisper noise barriers

The IOA Southern Branch is pleased to welcome Andrew Cowsill to give a presentation on Whisper® acoustic panels, a macrocellular, closed-cell material that differs from conventional porous absorbers in both structure and acoustic behaviour. Drawing on recent development and application work, the presentation will outline the underlying material characteristics and the acoustic mechanisms at play, and consider how these translate into performance in practice. Particular attention will be given to durability, environmental exposure, and the implications for use across interior spaces, outdoor settings, and on transport infrastructure.

Andrew will present a series of case studies illustrating how the material has been applied to solve complex acoustic challenges in the real world in the UK, including the recently completed Colne Valley Viaduct, as well as globally from the fjords of Norway to the urban centres of New Zealand. The session will focus on measured performance, design considerations, and practical constraints, helping practitioners understand where this type of system may offer advantages, relative to more conventional solutions.

As always, the event is free to members of the IoA, as well as to students and the public. The meeting will be held in-person in Arup in Southampton, online on Zoom and will also be recorded. The event will be recorded but not the Q&A.

CPD certification will be offered for attendance, wait for the QR code that will be shown/shared at the end of the presentation.

Details of in-person attendees will be passed to security 24 hours before the event.   
If you have any queries please contact Reena Mahtani (reena.mahtani@stantec.com).

For registration, follow this link: https://www.cpdtag.com/app.php?event=5E8F315AFFECB92A3FEA58FC3FCC90B