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Experimental study of wood acoustic

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Jerzy Smardzewski*, Wojciech Batko, Tadeusz Kamisiński, Artur Flach, Artur Pilch,
Dorota Dziurka, Radosław Mirski, Edward Roszyk and Adam Majewski
Experimental study of wood acoustic absorption
characteristics
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine nor-
mal impedance on the surface as well as sound absorp-
tion coefficients for several wood species from Europe and
from the tropical zone. The mathematical models of Miki,
Attenborough, and Allard – dealing with acoustic prop-
erties of porous materials – have also been compared.
The air flow resistivity exhibits a distinct link between
fiber dimensions and wood porosity. The highest sound
absorption coefficient was found for oak, ash, sapeli, and
pine woods at 2 kHz frequency. The Attenborough model
provides results closest to laboratory measurements,
although it still requires significant improvements. The
Miki and Allard models have some drawbacks and should
be applied with reservation for the determination of wood
acoustic properties.
Keywords: absorption coefficient, acoustic, analytical
models, impedance, wood
*Corresponding author: Jerzy Smardzewski, Faculty of Wood
Technology, Department of Furniture Design, Poznan University of
Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 38/42, 60-627 Poznań, Poland,
e-mail: jsmardzewski@up.poznan.pl
Wojciech Batko, Tadeusz Kamisiński, Artur Flach and Artur Pilch:
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, Department of
Mechanics and Vibroacoustics, AGH University of Science and
Technology, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
Dorota Dziurka, Radosław Mirski, Edward Roszyk and Adam
Majewski: Faculty of Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life
Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 38/42, 60-627 Poznań, Poland
Introduction
Practical sound absorbers employed in building industry are
manufactured from glass or mineral fibers. In indoor areas,
the porous wood with greater aesthetic value and functional-
ity is preferred. Martellotta and Cirillo (2009) and Kamisiński
et al. (2011) modeled acoustics in large rooms equipped in
furniture for sitting. In articles by Eda et al. (2010) and Ikeda
et al. (2005), the impact of structural elements and the fur-
niture geometry was evaluated on the acoustic properties of
the facility. Takashi (1997) investigated the effect of furniture
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DOI 10.1515/hf-2013-0160      Holzforschung 2013; aop
construction on acoustic absorbability and showed that the
latter can be improved by special furniture design made
of appropriate wood species. Frequently, wood compos-
ites produced from fibrous materials are used in buildings
as absorbers (Wang and Torng 2001; Khedari et  al. 2003;
Yang et al. 2003; Zulkifli et al. 2008, 2009; Nor et al. 2010;
Karlinasari et al. 2012a,b; Rahman et al. 2012; Li et al. 2013;
Labonnote et  al. 2013). However, none of the examined
materials was recommended for furniture production.
Wood – well known for its acoustic quality in various
musical instruments – is also suited as sound absorber or
sound diffuser (Krzysik 1978; Wassilieff 1996; Požgaj et al.
1997). Wood fibers with tubular structure are able to accu-
mulate a greater volume of air in their lumina than in their
cell wall. This fact has a significant impact on the propaga-
tion velocity of sound waves, and the acoustic properties
of individual wood species can be very different (Chauan
et al. 2005; Mohebby et al. 2007; Kúdela and Kunštár 2011).
However, the specific surface impedance and absorption
coefficients of the most common wood species in furniture
industry are not well described. Mohammad et al. (2010)
presented results of numerical calculations of sound
absorption coefficients for Malaysian woods based on the
Delany-Bazley model. The reported results are clearly too
high and require verification.
The aim of this investigation was to ascertain acoustic
properties of selected wood species by the determination
of specific surface impedance as well as sound absorp-
tion coefficients. In addition, the mathematical models
describing acoustic properties of porous materials should
be compared and their suitability for the description of
wood acoustic properties should be assessed.
Theoretical background and
materials and methods
Acoustic absorption in porous materials
Sound is the mechanical vibration of gaseous, liquid,
or solid elastic media, in the course of which energy is
2      J. Smardzewski et al.: Experimental study of wood acoustic absorption characteristics

discharged from the source in the form of acoustic waves. calculations. The solution given below was employed by
For the longitudinal wave, the propagation velocity Bies and Hansen (1996) and Cox and D’Antonio (2009):
c (m s-1) is calculated according to Gruca et al. (2008):
⎛ ρ 1.53 ⎞
ξ = 7.95·10 -10 ⎜
⎝ a 2 ⎟⎠
, (7)
K
c= , and (1)
ρ
where a is radius of a fiber and ρ is density (kg m-3).
E For the majority of fibrous materials with porosities
K= , (2)
3( 1-2υ ) close to 1, Delany and Bazley (1970) proposed an analyti-
cal solution describing the wave number k and the spe-
where K is bulk modulus (Pa), E is Young modulus (Pa), υ cific impedance Zc (Allard and Champoux 1992; Cox and
is Poisson’s ratio, and ρ is medium density (kg m-3). D’Antonio 2009):
Materials characterized by small velocity of sound
Zc = ρoco[1+0.0571(ρo f/ξ)-0.754-j0.0870(ρo f/ξ)-0.732], (8)
wave propagation exhibit poor acoustic impedance. For
porous materials (such as wood), the specific impedance k = ω/co[1+0.0978(ρo f/ξ)-0.700-j0.1890(ρo f/ξ)-0.595]. (9)
Zc (N s m-3) and wave number k can be expressed by means
of density ρ and bulk modulus K: where ρo and co are air density and sound velocity in the
air, respectively (ρo = 1.21 kg m-3 and co = 343 m s-1).
Zc = K ·ρ , and (3) Equations proposed by Miki (1990) have a similar
structure and they differ from the above model of Delany
ρ and Bazley only by the employed coefficients:
k =ω , (4)
K Zc = ρoco[1+5.50(103 f/ξ)-0.632-j8.43(103 f/ξ)-0.632], (10)

where ω = 2πf and f is frequency (Hz). k = ω/co[1+7.81(103 f/ξ)-0.618-j11.41(103 f/ξ)-0.618]. (11)

The higher the density of wood, the higher is its elas-
These equations are applicable for the criteria: Dw≈1.0,
ticity. This entails also a higher impedance Eq. (3) (Krzysik
0.01 < ρof/ξ < 1.0, 1000  ≤  ξ  ≤  50 000  N s m-4. According to
1978; Ono and Norimoto 1983; Kúdela and Kunštár 2011).
Wassilieff (1996), the equations above fail to describe
Simultaneously, at higher medium densities, the acous-
precisely sound absorption by wood fibers whose poros-
tic wave velocity is lowered Eq. (1). That is why wood
ity and tortuosity are distinctly different from the adopted
acoustic properties are also influenced by its porosity Dw,
limitations.
tortuosity ks, and air flow resistivity ξ (N  s  m-4) (Krzysik
Taking into consideration the properties of porous
1978; Attenborough 1993; Wassilieff 1996; Cox and
materials, including flow resistivity, porosity, tortuosity,
D’Antonio 2009). Porosity in the state of absolute dryness
and the characteristic length Λ, it is possible to calculate
is described as
their specific impedance and wave number. These tech-
ρw niques were improved by many researchers ( Johnson et al.
Dw = 1- , (5)
ρs 1987; Champoux and Allard 1991; Allard and Champoux
1992; Champoux and Stinson 1992; Allard 1993; Atten-
borough 1992, 1993; Wassilieff 1996; Wang and Torng
where ρw is density in absolutely dry state (kg m-3) and ρs is
2001; Atalla and Panneton 2005; Allard and Atalla 2009).
density of wood cell wall (ρs = 1500 kg m-3).
Beginning with the classic model of sound propagation,
Tortuosity is a measure of fiber deviation from normal
Attenborough (1992) demonstrated that density ρ and
course and constitutes the indicator of material structure
bulk elasticity modulus K of a porous medium can be
(Zwikker and Kosten 1949; Attenborough 1993; Wassilieff
expressed:
1996):
-1
1 ⎛ tanh( iβ ) ⎞
ks = . (6) ρ = ρoks ⎜ 1- ⎟ , (12)
Dw ⎝ iβ ⎠

-1
The flow resistivity ξ can be determined either empiri- ⎛ ( γ -1) tanh( N iβ ) ⎞
K = γ Po ⎜ 1- ⎟ (13)
cally by laboratory experiments or through analytical ⎝ N iβ ⎠

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 J. Smardzewski et al.: Experimental study of wood acoustic absorption characteristics      3

where Also, in this case, the wave number k and specific

0.5 impedance Zc of a porous material depend on the dynamic
⎛ ⎛ c⎞ ⎞
2
density ρ and bulk elasticity modulus K Eq. (15), where
⎜ 6π f ρo ⎜ ⎟ ⎟ (14)
⎜ ⎝ co ⎠ ⎟
β =⎜ ⎟ , Zc = K ρ . (21)
⎝ Dw
ξ ⎠
Analytical modeling of the absorption coefficient α
where γ is air specific heat (γ = 1.401), Po is atmospheric
involves determination of the specific acoustic impedance
pressure (Po = 101 325  N m-2), and N is Prandtl’s number
Z (N s m-3) on the sample surface of thickness d followed
(N = 0.71).
by the determination of the reflection coefficient R (Cox
On the contrary, wave number k and specific imped-
and D’Antonio 2009):
ance Zc of a porous material depend on density ρ and bulk
elasticity modulus K: Z = -jZc·cot(k·d), and (22)
0.5
⎛ ρ⎞ Z -ρo ·co
k = iω ⎜ ⎟ , and (15) R= . (23)
⎝ K⎠ Z +ρo ·co

( ρ·K ) 0.5 The sound absorption coefficient is determined by

Zc = . (16)
Dw α = 1–|R2| (24)

Because of the similarity of models Eqs. (8) and (9)

Bearing in mind the inertia and viscous coupling effect
and Eqs. (10) and (11), the authors of the present work
between a rigid frame and air saturating porous material,
decided to compare the models based on the Eqs. (10)–
Johnson et al. (1987) proposed models of dynamic density
(13), (15), and (16) as well as on the Eqs. (17), (18), and (21).
and bulk elasticity modulus. These models were adopted
These models are substantially different in description of
by Champoux and Allard (1991), Allard and Champoux
relationship between the impedance and flow resistivity,
(1992), Wang and Torng (2001), Atalla and Panneton
porosity, tortuosity, as well as characteristic length.
(2005), and Cox and D’Antonio (2009). For the Allard
model (Champoux and Allard 1991; Allard and Cham-
poux 1992), dynamic density of a porous material can be
described as Materials and methods
⎛ ξ Dw 8 jk 2ηρ π f ⎞ Several domestic and tropical wood species were selected for the
ρ = ksρo ⎜ 1+ 1+ 2s 2 o 2 ⎟ , (17)
⎜⎝ 2 jπ fpoks ζ Λ Dw ⎟⎠ experiments [alder Alnus glutinosa L. Gearthn., ash Fraxinus excel-
sior L., balsa Ochroma lagopus Sw., birch Betula pendula Roth., elm
Ulmus minor Mill., meranti Shorea spp., oak Quercus robur L., pine
whereas the dynamic modulus of bulk elasticity is Pinus sylvestris L., poplar Populus nigra L., and sapeli Entandro-
phragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague]. The material should rep-
γ Po
K= , resent traditional species for furniture production and should differ
γ -1
γ- (18)
with respect to color, design, porosity, density, and elasticity. Balsa
8η 2 jρπ fN Λ′ 2 and poplar wood served as reference due to their low density and
1+ 1+ high porosity. These materials were considered as absorbers and/
2 j Λ′ N π f ρ
2
16η
or diffusers. The wood material (unedged timber) was 28 and 35 mm
thick. The cuts longitudinal/tangential (LT) and longitudinal/radial
where (LR) were considered. The selected pieces of sawn timber were sub-
jected to seasoning under laboratory conditions at air relative humid-
1 8ηks ity of 65% at approximately 20°C. The sawn timber was planed and
Λ= , and (19)
s Dwζ sanded to obtain the required standard dimensions. In all, 35 sam-
ples were prepared for each wood species and anatomical direction.
Density, moisture content (MC), bending strength, and acoustic data
Λ′ = 2Λ, (20)
were determined based on 10, 10, 10, and 5 samples, respectively.
Therefore, the total number of analyzed samples amounted to 715.
s is a constant; for the majority of absorbers with pores Standards applied were MC (PN-77/D-04100), density (PN-
having circular, square, and triangular cross-section, 77/D-04101), modulus of rupture (MOR) (PN-77/D-04103), and modu-
s is assumed to be 1.0, 1.07, and 1.14, respectively (here, lus of elasticity (MOE) (PN-63/D-04117). Porosity Eq. (5), tortuosity
s = 1.07). Eq. (6), flow resistivity Eq. (7), modulus of bulk elasticity Eq. (2),

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4      J. Smardzewski et al.: Experimental study of wood acoustic absorption characteristics
and specific impedance Eq. (3) were calculated. Specific surface
impedance and sound absorption coefficients were determined. The
transfer-function method as described in PN-EN ISO 10534-2:2003
standard was employed. Calculations of real and imaginary parts
of wood’s specific impedance were performed in accordance with
the Miki model Eqs. (10) and (11), the Attenborough model Eqs. (12),
(13), (15), and (16), and the Allard model Eqs. (17), (18), and (21). Spe-
cific surface impedance was computed in accordance with formula
(22), whereas the sound absorption coefficient was obtained with
the assistance of Eqs. (23) and (24) depending on the applied mod-
els. Calculations were conducted employing the GNU Octave-3.2.4
system.
Results and discussion
Physicomechanical properties
Table 1 presents physicomechanical properties of the
examined wood species. It is evident that all materials
have similar MC ranging from 5.6% (balsa) to 9.5% (sapeli).
Within one wood species, any density increment entails
the increase of MOE (Kollmann and Côté 1984; Gibson
and Ashby 1997). Expectedly, for the majority of samples,
the MOE increased along with their density (poplar, pine,
alder LR, meranti LR, elm LR, oak LR, birch LT, and ash).
This observation is also true when the other samples are
compared with each other (balsa LT, alder LT, meranti LT,
elm LT, oak LT, and sapeli). From Figure 1a, a linear inter-
relationship between density and MOE is visible. Con-
sequently, in higher density ranges, high MOE and bulk
modulus and specific impedance values were observed.
The lowest specific impedance was recorded for balsa LT
(240 kN s m-3) and poplar LT and LR woods (1164 and 1199
kN s m-3), while the highest was recorded in woods of ash
LR and LT (2937) and 2852 kN s m-3) and birch LT (2819 kN
s m-3), respectively (Table 1). Wood species of low density
exhibiting small specific impedance can be good sound
absorbers. This property is also influenced by porosity,
tortuosity, and flow resistivity. In Table 2, calculation
results are listed in terms of the above-mentioned physi-
cal parameters. Accordingly, the highest porosity was
observed for balsa LT, poplar LT and LR, and pine LT and
LR woods being 0.945, 0.763, and 0.660, respectively, while
woods of ash LT and LR and sapeli LT and LR have the
lowest values with this regard (0.515 and 0.509). Reverse
relations were found for wood tortuosity and air flow
resistivity. Balsa LT and poplar showed the lowest tortuos-
ity (1.03 and 1.14) and flow resistivity (1937 and 17 026 N s
m-4). The highest tortuosity was found for ash and sapeli
woods (1.41, 1.40), while the highest flow resistivity was
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found in sapeli and oak (214 844 and 197 525 N s m-4). It is
evident from Tables 1 and 2 that air flow resistivity values
are distinctly correlated with fiber dimensions, wood
density, and its porosity. Air flow resistivity decreased
parallel to the increase of the radius of fibers and wood
porosity at the simultaneous decline of density and tortu-
osity. Figure 1b illustrates the linear dependence of wood
tortuosity on its density. A linearly proportional decline
of wood porosity together with the increase of its tortu-
osity is also obvious. The exponential dependence of air
flow resistivity from the density is illustrated in Figure 1c.
Accordingly, good sound absorption properties are related
to low density, low flow resistivity and tortuosity, and high
porosity. This is further corroborated in Figure 1d, which
illustrates linear dependence of the specific impedance on
density. Wood of low density exhibits low impedance and
hence greater capability for sound absorption.
Acoustic properties of wood
Experimental results
Figure 2a shows values of sound absorption coefficients.
The comparison with the results of numerical calcula-
tions by Mohammad et al. (2010) reveals distinctly lower
data. This may indicate that the model of the quoted
researchers was not appropriate or that the input data
were incorrect. Figure 2a illustrates that the highest
sound absorption coefficient for the 2 kHz frequency
was recorded for oak LT, ash LT, sapeli LR, pine LR,
and ash LR woods being 0.20, 0.19, 0.19, 0.19, and 0.18,
respectively. Remarkably, only pine LR has high porosity
(0.671) and low air flow resistivity (35 540 N s m-4). The
other wood samples have lower porosity data, that is,
0.539, 0.515, 0.509, and 0.505, respectively, and higher air
flow resistivity (198 844, 132 150, 214 855, and 136 338 N
s m-4). Figure 1e informs that only a slight correlation
can be noticed between the mean value of the absorp-
tion coefficient and wood density. Presentation of the
same dependence for each frequency separately (Figure
1f) shows a significant increase of the sound absorption
coefficient together with the increase of wood density at
2 and 4 kHz frequencies. This dependence was insignifi-
cant for the other frequencies.
Numerical results
Figure 2 shows the comparison of the empirical results
with those obtained by the calculations according to the
 J. Smardzewski et al.: Experimental study of wood acoustic absorption characteristics      5

Table 1 Wood physicomechanical properties.

Type   Average   MC (%)   Density   MOR (MPa)   MOE (MPa)   Bulk modulus   Specific impedance
Std. (kg m-3) (MPa) (kN s m-3)

Balsa LT   x   5.6   82   6.7   840   700   240

  S   0.66   24   4.1   451    
Birch LT   x   6.9   706   137.7   13 512   11 260   2819
  S   0.51   20   19.5   755    
Oak LR   x   7.6   688   120.0   11 355   9463   2552
  S   0.72   26   5.9   589    
Oak LT   x   8.1   691   112.7   10 734   8945   2486
  S   0.64   34   11.8   750    
Ash LR   x   7.4   743   144.0   13 935   11 613   2937
  S   0.35   29   18.5   1214    
Ash LT  
x   7.3   728   142.3   13 405   11 171   2852
  S   0.35   21   21.2   1067    
Meranti LR  x   9.2   584   103.3   11 652   9710   2381
  S   0.92   41   14.4   372    
Meranti LT   x   9.2   603   106.6   10 609   8841   2309
  S   1.11   30   7.2   379    
Alder LR   x   8.2   570   108.7   11 248   9373   2311
  S   0.64   25   11.7   1220    
Alder LT   x   7.8   519   90.0   8905   7421   1963
  S   1.04   20   5.2   422    
Sapeli LR   x   9.2   737   125.3   11 524   9603   2660
  S   0.95   25   16.1   1134    
Sapeli LT   x   9.5   737   116.0   10 672   8893   2560
  S   0.90   16   7.5   572    
Pine LR   x   8.2   494   88.0   9028   7523   1928
  S   1.34   20   4.9   610    
Pine LT   x   8.4   510   98.4   10 447   8706   2107
  S   1.01   31   12.0   931    
Poplar LR   x   7.8   360   48.2   4789   3991   1199
  S   1.33   8   7.5   654    
Poplar LT   x   7.9   355   48.0   4578   3815   1164
  S   1.25   4   7.0   544    
Elm LR   x   7.3   669   126.9   11 992   9993   2586
  S   0.81   52   18.8   1443    
Elm LT   x   7.1   610   112.4   10 560   8800   2317
  S   0.5   35   13.8   1101    

Miki, Attenborough, and Allard models. Here, only the LT
surface results are presented assuming that the LR surface
results are similar. It is evident that absorption coefficient
values according to the Miki and Allard models are fre-
quency dependent (Figure 2b and d). At 2 kHz, balsa wood
exhibited the lowest absorption coefficient (0.192 and
0.467, respectively) followed by poplar (0.583 and 0.923),
sapeli (0.631 and 0.680), and oak (0.651 and 0.683). The
highest absorption coefficients are seen for elm (0.794
and 0.797) and pine (0.766 and 0.937). However, these
data are two to six times greater than those established
experimentally. On the contrary, balsa and poplar woods
consistently exhibited the lowest absorption coefficients.
The Attenborough model (Figure 2c) is more favorable in
this context. The calculated coefficients do not exceed
0.36 and are clearly similar to empirical values. However,
they differ with respect to their qualitative features. Con-
trary to the results of laboratory investigations, the ana-
lytical model indicates, at 2 kHz ash (0.161), sapeli (0.176)
and oak as materials with lower sound absorption and
balsa (0.358), poplar (0.271), and alder as species with the
highest sound coefficients. In this model, wood species of
low density, high porosity, and low flow resistance have
low surface impedance.
Mohammad et  al. (2010) reported high values of
sound absorption coefficients calculated by the Delany
and Bazley (1970) model. This was also the case for
calculations in the present work according to Miki and

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6      J. Smardzewski et al.: Experimental study of wood acoustic absorption characteristics

Table 2 Fiber radius, porosity, tortuosity, and flow resistivity.

Type   Fiber   Porosity   Tortuosity   Flow

radius resistivity
(μm) (N s m-4)

Balsa LT   18.65   0.945   1.03   1937

Birch LT   10.95   0.529   1.37   151 429
Oak LR   9.40   0.541   1.36   197 525
Oak LT   9.40   0.539   1.36   198 844
Ash LR   12.00   0.505   1.41   136 338
Ash LT   12.00   0.515   1.39   132 150
Meranti LR   9.55   0.611   1.28   148 927
Meranti LT   9.55   0.598   1.29   156 403
Alder LR   8.70   0.620   1.27   172 909
Alder LT   8.70   0.654   1.24   149 808
Sapeli LR   9.50   0.509   1.40   214 855
Sapeli LT   9.50   0.509   1.40   214 855
Pine LR   17.20   0.671   1.22   35 540
Pine LT   17.20   0.660   1.23   37 316
Poplar LR   19.30   0.760   1.15   17 394
Poplar LT   19.30   0.763   1.14   17 026
Elm LR   11.75   0.554   1.34   121 114
Elm LT   11.75   0.593   1.30   105 159

Allard. Clearly, these models have a limited value for

Figure 1 Various data as a function of density (a) MOE, (b) tortuos-
ity, (c) air flow resistivity, (d) specific impedance, (e) mean value of
sound absorption coefficient, and (f) mean value of sound absorp-
tion coefficient in individual octaves (for 2 kHz, y = 0.0002x+0.0255,
R2 = 0.6173; for 4 kHz, y = 0.0001x+0.0736, R2 = 0.4797).
calculations of wood acoustic properties. The general
expectation is that, with increasing density, the elas-
ticity and impedance will also be elevated. Simultane-
ously, the same increase of the medium density caused
a reduction of the acoustic wave velocity (Krzysik 1978;
Ono and Norimoto 1983; Požgaj et  al. 1997; Kúdela and
Kunštár 2011). In addition, short fibers, with wide and
rectangular cross-section, influence sound velocity in
the material and reduce specific impedance (Chauan
et al. 2005; Mohebby et al. 2007). Therefore, wood of low
density and high porosity should exhibit, similar to the
Attenborough model, high sound absorption. However,
against the expectations, the results of laboratory exper-
iments showed a different behavior of oak, ash, sapeli,
and pine. These woods have high density but high tortu-
osity and flow resistivity and are relatively good sound
absorbers. That observation was not accidental. The
macroscopic structure of wood plays a very important
role in this case. Presented types of hardwoods belong to
ring-porous wood. Their vessel diameters are two times
bigger than alder, balsa, birch, elm, meranti, and poplar
(Wagenführ 2007). Moreover, in the case of ash, oak,
and pine, also very important is cyclical heterogeneity
of their structure (early wood with high porosity and late
wood with high density and low porosity). Air ducts were
created on wood surface by these elements. It improves
sound absorption by wood.

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 J. Smardzewski et al.: Experimental study of wood acoustic absorption characteristics      7
Figure 2 Dependence of the sound absorption coefficient on fre-
quency: (a) experimental data and (b)–(d) model data according to
Miki, Attenborough, and Allard, respectively.
Figure 3a presents the empirically determined com-
ponents of specific surface impedance and their relation
to the frequency. Based on these data, the highest values
of the real part of surface impedance are observed at 125
Hz. On the contrary, for balsa LT, pine LT, and poplar LT
woods, the imaginary part of surface impedance exhibited
the lowest values at 500 Hz. At 2 kHz frequency, the lowest
values of the real part of the surface impedance were deter-
mined for sapeli LR, oak LT, sapeli LT, ash LT, and ash LR
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with 14.6, 15.8, 16.4, 17.1, and 18.4 N s m-4, respectively. For
pine LR, this impedance amounted to 46.7  N s m-4. The
results indicate higher sound absorption capabilities of
wood species with 0.5 porosity, 680–730 kg m-3 density,
and flow resistivity ranging from 132 150–214 855 N s m-4.
Figure 3b–d present the numerically calculated
components of specific surface impedance. Accordingly,
the highest values of the real part of surface impedance
occur at 125 Hz, while the imaginary part of the surface
impedance is the lowest. This observation is in qualita-
tive agreement with data of experimental measurements
(Figure 3a). In all analytical models, the sequence of
curve arrangement is maintained corresponding to the
impedance of individual wood species. However, a sig-
nificant difference occurs from the quantitative point of
view, especially for the frequency over 250 Hz. Labora-
tory measurements show that balsa, pine, and poplar
have the highest impedance, whereas sapeli, oak, and
elm exhibit the lowest impedance. On the contrary, the
results of calculations (Figure 3b–d) indicate the highest
impedance in sapeli, oak, and meranti but the lowest in
balsa, poplar, and pine. Moreover, the calculated data are
several times higher than those of experimental meas-
urements. These factors for the real part of the surface
impedance are 5, 75, and 9 according to Miki, Attenbor-
ough, and Allard, respectively. Concerning the imaginary
part, the factors are 30, 12, and 57. These high values of
surface impedance constituents affect the sound absorp-
tion coefficients.
Figure 4 is a presentation of absorption coefficients
as a function of frequency. Clearly, the Miki and Allard
models deliver inflated values of sound absorption coef-
ficients, whereas the Attenborough model provides results
closest to laboratory measurements. However, even this
model is far from being perfect and requires significant
improvement.
Conclusions
There is a nearly linear function between density, tortu-
osity, and MOE. At high densities, the specific impedance
was also high. The wood porosity is reversely propor-
tional to tortuosity. Air flow resistance exhibited a distinct
association with fiber dimensions, wood density, and its
porosity. This parameter decreased as a function of ele-
vated fiber radius and porosity and the simultaneous dec-
rement of density and tortuosity. Balsa and poplar have
the lowest tortuosity and air flow resistance. The highest
tortuosity was observed for ash and sapeli, whereas the
8      J. Smardzewski et al.: Experimental study of wood acoustic absorption characteristics

Figure 3 Dependence of the specific surface impedance on frequency: (a) experimental data and (b)–(d) model data according to Miki,
Attenborough, and Allard, respectively.

highest air flow resistance was obtained for sapeli and

oak. Experimental investigations proved that the highest
sound absorption coefficient at 2 kHz occurred in oak,
ash, sapeli, and pine. The models of Miki and Allard have
a very limited value for the determination of wood acous-
tic properties. The Attenborough model provided better
results, being closest to laboratory measurements, but
it also requires significant improvements. Acoustic tests
showed that oak, ash, and pine are particularly useful for
the design of furniture. Furniture made from above types
of wood can reduce noise in room. Figure 4 Sound absorption coefficient as a function of frequency.

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 J. Smardzewski et al.: Experimental study of wood acoustic absorption characteristics      9
Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the
Polish National Centre for Research and Development
under the grant “Passive acoustic materials for furniture
production.” The authors are grateful to Janusz Cegieła,
M.Sc., and Karol Łabęda, M.Sc., for creating excellent
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