This test method can be applied to measure sound absorption coefficients of absorptive materials at normal incidence, that is, 0°. It also can be used to determine specific impedance and admittance ratios. The properties measured with this test method are useful in basic research and product development of sound absorptive materials.

Normal incidence sound absorption coefficients can be quite useful in certain situations where the material is placed within a small acoustical cavity close to a sound source, for example a closely-fitted machine enclosure.

This test method allows one to compare relative values of sound absorption when it is impractical to procure large samples for accurate random-incidence measurements in a reverberation room. Estimates of the random incidence absorption coefficients can be obtained from normal impedance data for locally-reacting materials (2).

Note 2—The classification, “locally-reacting” includes fibrous materials having high internal losses. Formulas have been developed for converting sound absorption properties from normal incidence to random incidence, for both locally-reacting and bulk-reacing materials (3).

Measurements described in this test method can be made with high precision, but these measurements may be misleading. Uncertainties of greater magnitude than those from the measurements may occur from other sources. Care should be exercised to sample nonuniform materials adequately (see 11.1).

1.1 This test method covers the use of an impedance tube, two microphone locations, and a digital frequency analysis system for the determination of normal incidence sound absorption coefficients and normal specific acoustic impedance ratios of materials.

1.2 Laboratory Accreditation—A procedure for accrediting a laboratory for performing this test method is given in Annex A1.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the use of this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.