The Influence of Vibrations on the Construction

of Soundproofing Panels

Tataru A. C.1, Tataru D.1, Stanci A.2

1
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Transports, University of Petrosani,
Petrosani, (ROMANIA)
2
Departament of Management, Environmental Engineering and Geology, University of Petrosani,
Petrosani, (ROMANIA)
andreeastanci@yahoo.com, dorin.tataru@yahoo.com

Abstract
Sound pollution nowadays is an important environmental problem. To reduce the level of noise
pollution, research is being done to find the most effective solutions. At present, the reduction of the noise level
on the propagation paths is achieved by the use of soundproofing and sound absorbing panels. Panels installed
for sound insulation may be affected by vibrations in their structure. Vibration level control is necessary because
they have negative effects on the entire system. Vibrations are transmitted to the soundproofing panels, reducing
noise attenuation. This problem occurs especially in industrial areas where machinery produces significant
vibrations. In this paper we will see how the vibrations produced by belt conveyors used in various industrial
branches influence the performance of sound protection panels.
Keywords: Sound panels, vibrations, diminishing degree of attenuation, reduction of performance.

1 Introduction
Vibrations are unwanted movements that produce high noise or mechanical stress. Vibrations have
negative effects on the environment, people, cars and buildings.
In order to control the vibration level, the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations must be known.
These elements have a negative effect on the good functioning of machines, machines and on the performance of
sound protection panels used to protect the environment.
The machine and machine vibrations during their operation have different causes, such as the nature of
the process, the operating principle, the operating mode, the various errors in the construction and assembly of
the components and, last but not least, the degree of wear and tear of the components.
Vibration of equipment is transmitted to other equipment via support systems.
Vibrations produced by belt conveyors are structural vibrations. These are generated by creating the
wave effect that is propagated in the metal structure of the reduced rigid. [3]
The sound insulating and sound absorbing panels used to reduce the sound pollution produced by belt
conveyors can be placed directly on the metal structure of the conveyor belts. This method of locating has been
chosen because the belt conveyors may be non-stationary, and with the movement of the belt conveyors the
movement of the panels will also be achieved. Also, this method was chosen in order not to influence the way
the panels were placed by the geographical conditions.
Panels installed on the metallic structure of tape conveyors for sound insulation may be affected by the
vibrations in their structure, the vibrations of the belt conveyors being transmitted to the panels through their
gripping system.
In this case some areas become a radiant noise source reducing the sound attenuation level of
soundproofing and sound absorbing panels.

2 Theoretical considerations
Soundproofing panels used in noise shielding acts as a monopartition.
Isolator panel can be modeled as a homogeneous tile referring to a system of axes Oxyz and normal
wave radiation directly enters a vibratory motion in the direction Ox simultaneously bending wave propagation.

1
 Considering excitement bending waves in one direction, the bending moment M = M Z to give the
appearance of a strong variable in the direction Ox:

(1)

in which:

(2)

It is the plate rigidity per surface unit where: E - Young module's; – coefficient of Poisson.

Fig. 1
Graphical representation of the forces occurring in a homogeneous plate

The equation of motion of the unitary wall element after the division with surface plan yOz (dA = l dy)
is:

(3)

Where , and after using the expression (1), becomes:

(4)

Provided that particular air wall surface sp to not detach is:

(5)
Integrated which leads to expression:

(6)
Replacing (4) in (3), we obtain:

(7)
from where,

. (8)
This raises a bending wave which is transmitted along the axis Oy.
These bending waves occur due to vibrations make sound-insulating panels where they fall on different
angles of incidence θ, which make it appear a phase shift in the direction Oy. The phase angle difference is due
to the road
Speed v of air particle in contact with points will be expressed as follows:

(9)
In this case results:

(10)

2
 Fig. 2
Transmission of bending wave in a homogeneous plate

Expression (7) become

(11)
It has specific nature wave impedance containing reactant:
 Inertion ω m

 Mechanical compliance
It will be considered critical if the pressure is transmitted entirely through wall, so p 1=p2.
So:

(12)
Wave velocity bending the wall is:

(13)
Introducing (12) in (13) equation become:

(14)
Which leads to integrated overall solution:

(15)
From expression (13) results that speed CB flexural wave is dependent upon the angular frequency ω,
and condition p1=p2 imposed equation (11), result:

(16)
So, for the critic case will result critical velocity of pressure waves which induce wall where bending,
forming integral to transmit sound pressure through the wall:

(17)
The lower critical frequency is obtained for (waves parallel with the wall)

(18)
In case of wall h=d,

(19)
To avoid sound transmission through the wall without damping aims throwing minimum frequency
within the audible frequencies. [1], [2], [3], [4]

3
3 Results and discussions
Sound and sound absorbing panels can be used to reduce the sound pollution of different industrial
branches. The characteristics of these panels can be influenced by the wear and tear of machinery and equipment
used in industry. In order to study the influence of vibrations on the characteristics of the sound panels we have
made a study of the vibrations produced by the belt conveyors. Belt conveyors, especially those used in open
pits, generate noise and vibration. In order to reduce the noise pollution produced by belt conveyors, sound
panels can be used directly on their metallic structure.
In order to determine the influence of the vibrations produced by the belt conveyors on the
soundproofing panels, we made measurements using the MSR145 multiparameter instrument. This tool allows to
measure several parameters such as: acceleration on the three axes x, y, z. both in 2G and 10G, temperature,
humidity, pressure. [3]

Fig. 3
MSR145 multiparameter instrument

The vibration measurement device was placed on the metal structure of the belt conveyors. In order to
better interpret the obtained results measurements were taken both with the loaded and empty belt conveyor.
With the MSR 145 multiparameter we were able to determine amplitudes on the three axes x, y and z in
both cases.
Figures 4 and 5 show the values of the acceleration amplitude on the three axes generated by the metal
structure of the belt conveyors. Amplitude values are measured when the belt is empty and charged with tailings
or coal.

Fig.4
The acceleration amplitude values on the three axes generated by the metal structure of the belt conveyors when
the belt is working empty

4
 Fig. 5
The acceleration amplitude values on the three axes generated by the metal structure of the belt conveyors when
the belt is loaded

The maximum amplitude values recorded on the three axes generated by the metal structure of the belt
conveyors are shown in Table 1. Measurements were made when the belt was empty and loaded. The amplitudes
recorded in the case of empty belt conveyors have higher maximum values compared to those of loaded belt
conveyors. This is due to the pressure made by the material conveyed on the belt to reduce the vibrations.

Table 1 - Maximum amplitude values on the three axes generated by the metal structure of belt
conveyors in empty and loaded operation.
Operation of the belt The maximum amplitude The maximum amplitude The maximum amplitude
conveyor on the x-axis on the y - axis on the z - axis
Empty 2,344 1,361 2,334
Loaded 2.302 0,639 0.844

The amplitude of vibration expressed in terms of acceleration can be expressed in dB using the
relationship:

(20)
where:
LdB – signal level in dB
L1 – the vibration amplitude expressed in terms of acceleration
Lref – the reference level corresponding to 0 dB
The maximum signal level expressed in dB obtained during the operation of the empty and charged
band conveyor has values between 75,93454dB and 87,22367dB. The values obtained are shown in Table 2.
These values increase the sound level on the panel. The panel must have the ability to attenuate the level of noise
produced by several sources.

Table 2. Signal level expressed in dB generated by the metal structure of belt conveyors in empty and
charged mode
Operation mode of belt Maximum signal Maximum signal level Maximum signal level
conveyor level expressed in dB expressed in dB on the expressed in dB on the
on the x-axis y - axis z - axis
Empty 87,22367 82,50168 87,22367
Loaded 87,06663 75,93454 78,35137

To protect against rainfall, some belt conveyors have a metallic roof attached to the structure. In Figure
6 are the acceleration amplitude values on the three axes.

5
 Fig. 6
Acceleration amplitude values on the three x, y and z axes generated by the roof cover used for rain
protection

From the measurements made it can be seen that the vibrations produced by the belt conveyors can be
transmitted to the soundproofing and sound absorbing panels. This transmission of vibrations leads to reduced
performance of soundproofing and sound absorbing panels.
In this case, it is necessary to find solutions for reducing the vibrations generated by the belt conveyors.
By not using vibration mitigation methods, the panel structure should be recalculated for higher noise
sources.
The belt conveyor vibrations are transmitted to the sound absorbing and soundproofing panels through
the metal structure. To reduce the effects of vibrations, it is necessary to use materials that will not allow the
transmission of vibrations from the source to the panels. Reducing the degree of vibration transmission can be
achieved by using insulating materials such as rubber, cork, anti-vibration gripping systems, etc. [2]

4 Conclusions
Vibrations produced by belt conveyors have significant values.
The maximum signal level expressed in dB obtained during the operation of the loaded and empty band
conveyor is between 75.93454dB and 87.22367dB.
The vibrations produced by the belt conveyors are transmitted to the sound panels used to reduce sound
pollution.
If the panels are located directly on the vibration source, their characteristics will have negative impact.
To mitigate the effects of vibrations on sound panels, it is necessary to use materials that prevent the
transmission of vibrations from the source to the panels.
Reduction of vibration transmission can be achieved by using insulating material.

REFERENCES
[1] Polidor, B. (2002). Acustică interioară pentru construcții și mașini, Romania, pp. 124-127.
[2] Tataru, A.C.(2017). Researches concerning the possibilities of noise reduction and vibrations
produced by the use of tools in the technological flows of the Lignit Basin of Oltenia, doctoral
thesis University of Petrosani.
[3] Tataru, A.C., Tataru, D., Stanci, A. (2017). Study on transmission of vibration of issolation panels
from the structure of bandconveyors, 17th International Multidisciplinary Scientific
GeoConference SGEM 2017, www.sgem.org, SGEM2017 Conference Proceedings, ISBN 978-
619-7408-09-6 / ISSN 1314-2704, Vol. 17, Issue 52, pp. 899-906.
Tataru, A. C. Tataru, D. Stanci, A. , Nan, M. S. (2016). Study of vibration regime to control noise
produced by belt conveyors, Annals of the University of Petrosani, Mechanical Engineering, vol. 18
(XLV), Romania, pp 157-163.