Evaluation of Acoustic Properties of Sealant Materials Using a Modified Impedance Tube

The ability to select the most cost-effective expandable sealant material for filling body cavities requires the testing and assessment of numerous material performance properties. Determination of the acoustical properties of sealants, which are a vital part of their functional end-use performance, has been too often overlooked, primarily because of the cost and limited availability of acoustic testing capabilities. In this paper, we provide an in-depth examination of the repeatability and reproducibility (Gage R&R analysis) of acoustical measurements made using a modified impedance tube. In the process, we identify and quantify sources of potential measurement error, which have relevance to achieving optimal field performance. We then apply the testing methodology to study the dependence of Transmission Loss and Absorption Coefficient on various material parameters.