Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

This project, in collaboration between GAUS (University of Sherbrooke, Canada), FEMTO-ST Institute (Franche-Comté, France) and LTDS (École Centrale de Lyon, France) aims at developing a new concept of ""smart meta-composite"", namely an active-passive smart composite, designed for sound and vibration applications. This meta-composite combines the natural absorption (passive part) of open cell foams and active inclusions (electro-active materials) suitably located and electronically controlled to ensure maximum acoustic performance over the entire audible frequency range. The low frequency domain, which represents the major challenge of sound insulation, is more particularly concerned, since in this range conventional treatments are practically inefficient.The methodology includes: (a) optimization of the microstructure of foam prototype from a new reticulation technology, (b) characterization and correlation of cell morphology of foams to their performance indicators for noise and vibration, (c) addition and control of active components in the foam to control low frequency performance, (d) optimization of process parameters, design and control of foam, and (e) manufacturing and evaluation of the performance and robustness of the foams produced in configurations related to the aeronautical industry. The proposed methodology addresses its objectives through a combination of experimental and numerical methods. Its success should have a significant impact in terms of scientific advances and technological improvements within the manufacturing and use of smart open-cell foams. The new knowledge developed in this research is generic and is applicable to acoustic problems in the transport sector, aviation industry and the construction sector. Moreover, several highly qualified people will be trained through this project; they will be able to support industries (aerospace, automotive, absorption materials) and French and Canadian research institutions in both countries