Acoustical Drain Plugs in Body Cavity Sealer “Baffles”

Heat reactive expanding sealer materials are used as acoustical “baffles” to block noise propagation in rails, pillars, posts, and rockers. However, should moisture enter and collect in vertical pillars water damage may occur. Therefore, effort is being made to implement a drainage system for these problem applications. This paper discusses an effective way to prevent water damage by adding an acoustical drain plug to the baffle system with a minimal reduction in acoustical performance. The paper also discusses the performance and the effect of adding this plug to the baffle system. Finally, results of design variations of the plug on the baffle system are reported.