Influence of MWCNT fillers on vibroacoustic characteristics of polymer nanocomposite and coated aircraft panels

Noise pollution is one of the major concerns around the globe, and it is the driving force behind the development of new sound absorption and insulation materials. In the present work, Multi-Walled Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNT) is studied for its soundproofing characteristics on the aircraft panels and its effect subsequently on the vibroacoustic performance. The sound transmission loss (STL) property of all the samples was measured using impedance tube instrument. The MWCNT nanoparticles were reinforced in a polymer system with varying weight percentages (0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 2% and 3%) and its effect on sound transmission loss of nanocomposites was initially evaluated. These coated samples of Aluminium and Fibre Metal Laminate (FML) were then tested to assess the influence of MWCNT on the vibro-acoustic characteristics of the panels. Interesting results are presented in terms of STL on the aircraft fuselage panels, which confirm that MWCNT coating can be considered as a promising passive noise treatment approach without much weight penalty. FML has displayed comparatively a good STL in the frequency band of 63 Hz–500 Hz, compared to aluminium. MWCNT coating thickness and direction of coating appear to play an important role to produce the best STL characters of aircraft panels