Acoustic responses of natural fibre reinforced nanocomposite structure using multiphysics approach and experimental validation

In this article, the acoustic responses of free vibrated natural fibre-reinforced polymer nanocomposite structure have been investigated first time with the help of commercial package (ANSYS) using the multiphysical modelling approach. The sound relevant data of the polymeric structure is obtained by varying weight fractions of the natural nanofibre within the composite. Firstly, the structural frequencies are obtained through a simulation model prepared in ANSYS and solved through the static structural analysis module. Further, the corresponding sound data within a certain range of frequencies are evaluated by modelling the medium through the boundary element steps with adequate coupling between structure and fluid via LMS Virtual Lab. The simulation model validity has been established by comparing the frequency and sound responses with published results. In addition, sets of experimentation are carried out for the eigenvalue and the sound pressure level for different weight fractions of natural fibre and compared with own simulation data. The experimental frequencies are obtained using own impact type vibration analyzer and recorded through LABVIEW support software. Similarly, the noise data due to the harmonically excited vibrating plate are recorded through the available Array microphone (40 PH and serial no: 190569). The numerical results and subsequent experimental comparison are indicating the comprehensiveness of the presently derived simulation model. Finally, the effects of structural design parameters (thickness ratio, aspect ratio and boundary conditions) on the acoustic behaviour of the natural-fibre reinforced nanocomposite are computed using the present multiphysical model and highlighted the inferences.