Sound and Noise Theory
What is Sound?
In the modern life of today we are constantly surrounded by sound. But often these sounds are perceived as unwanted and therefore called noise. In many aspects of engineering and design of products and solutions we are no longer satisfied with only the purpose, appearance, feel and design of a product. Further aspects have to be added so true value adding can be given to a product/solution. Sound design and noise control is this next level of value adding properties.
Rockwool stone wool is by its basic engineering the perfect material for the purpose for adding value for the customers. Very often installations of Rockwool products will supply an additional improvement in sound wellness. Within the Rockwool Group great focus and development is ongoing in the fi eld of sound design and noise reduction. Rockwool Marine & Offshore can supply the possibilities for true value adding for important markets as Cruise Liners and Offshore living quarters.
Another increasing topic concerning noise is the health and safety aspects. Today several clinical studies have proven that people exposed to high noise levels will face increased risk of cardiac diseases and general stress threshold is signifi cantly lowered. Fatigue problems, which are generally seen at sea and offshore, is also a serious safety issue for a large range of operators.
Acoustic Knowledge
Noise is often discussed in many different forums, but we have to appreciate that the science behind is a rather complex world. A lot of physical laws, formulas and equations have been discovered over the years, and today a large range of specialist acoustic companies exists who are able to perform very complex and complicated computer simulations, physical measurements and calculations of an entire cruise liner or other vessels.
This compendium cannot cover all of this theory, but it is meant as a guideline to the basic sound theory and as guidance into principle solutions targeted towards the Marine & Offshore market.
Rules and Regulations within noise control for the marine segments are still relatively limited, compared to the onshore building regulations in some countries. But it is expected that IMO and ILO will enhance the focus in this area in the near future. In the appendix a short guide to present rules and regulations is available.
Within the Rockwool Group several dedicated acoustic engineers are employed and the Group runs its own acoustic laboratory and testing facilities. Product and solutions testing along with new marine development projects is constantly ongoing.
Our product and marine engineers are also available for further support.
