Abstract:
This study develops an empirical model to predict the airflow resistivity of thin and
low-density sound-absorbing materials. Airflow resistivity is a key input parameter for Finite
Element Method (FEM) simulations of sound pressure levels (SPLs) in vehicle cabins. However,
existing models for determining the airflow resistivity of thin and low-density fibrous materials
are inaccurate. Therefore, this study proposes a simple and reliable model based on multiple linear
regression analysis of polypropylene fibrous nonwoven samples. The samples were tested using
equipment designed according to ISO standards 9053-1. The model selection was performed using
stepwise techniques to identify the most relevant predictors. The final model, along with its
coefficients and goodness of fit statistics, is presented and discussed. The results of this study offer
a practical tool for design engineers to estimate the airflow resistivity of thin and low-density
materials, which can improve the accuracy of FEM simulations of SPLs in vehicle cabins.
