We consider noise as one of the major distractor of our concentration. The effects of the same can be evident as we immediately become alert and focus on the things causing various sounds. There are many ways to make our house sound proof.
Sources of Noise-
The major source of noise is the openings in the houses which primarily allows entry of sounds.
There are two ways we can reduce the noise entry and its effects.
a) By reducing the entry of sound inside our house.
Doors, Windows, and Ventilators- These often allows noise to enter inside, the use of thin film of plastic sheet may reflect back such sound waves (or noise) immediately. Such sheet can be attached to the edges of the windows or openings. Also small amount of noise may enter through solid materials from which doors, windows and ventilators are made of, this can be effectively addressed by connecting such surfaces to bodies which absorb the sound waves.So by vibration of the mass attached to the surfaces the sound energy dissipates.
b) By absorbing the sound waves with selective household materials– This can be done by selecting household items which absorbs the sound waves.
-Furniture-Wooden or any material furniture furbished by soft fur like substance can absorb sound waves. The location of the furniture is important to avoid the sound echos.
– Curtains-Selection of proper type of cloth with lots of pores is essential, which eventually locks the waves entering itself.
– Walls– As walls act as the most reflecting surface for the waves, the same can be used to absorb sound waves. Some of the measures which can be taken are application of wallpapers, or roughening of plaster texture of the wall surface.
-Ceiling– It plays important role in making echo, as height of the ceiling increases so does the echo. The effect can be countered by providing carpet on the floor, exactly opposite hence absorbing the sound waves.
-Flooring– If the floor is covered with a carpet then by its fabric most of the sound is absorbed.
Science of Sound waves-
We need to understand how sound waves travel and the important characteristics of the sound waves in brief.
-Definition-Sound can be defined as the vibrational disturbance produced by a source causing air particles to oscillate under pressure. The sound waves travel in compression and rare-fraction form from its source to the destination point. It requires medium like air, water and solid. The speed of the sound waves is the fastest in the air.
-Frequency– It can be defined as the time required for a particle to complete a cycle. Some sounds have higher frequency than others. The sound from birds has higher frequency. Interestingly these high frequency sound is more disturbing.
-Amplitude-It can be defined as the maximum displacement attained by a particle during its motion. High amplitude resembles higher pitch or noise.
In order for us to counter the effects of the noise and select the absorbing materials, several tests can be performed by using software like Ansys which is commonly used in designing and finding the reliable and exact materials to deal with the problems related to noise reduction.
For residential houses certain noise reduction methods as mentioned above and some trials regarding the furniture arrangements can sort out the problems to the extend.
ScienceAroundUs 