Researchers from MIT and other institutions have developed a sound-suppressing silk fabric that can be utilized to create quiet spaces in a noisy world. The fabric, which is incredibly thin and contains a special fiber that vibrates when an electrical voltage is applied to it, can suppress sound in two different ways. One technique involves generating sound waves that interfere with unwanted noise to cancel it out, similar to the concept of noise-canceling headphones. The other technique involves holding the fabric still to suppress vibrations that transmit sound, effectively reducing noise in larger spaces such as rooms or cars.
The team of researchers implemented common materials like silk, canvas, and muslin to create noise-suppressing fabrics that are practical for real-world use. These fabrics could be used to create dividers in open workspaces or thin walls in buildings to prevent sound from traveling through them. By leveraging the vibrations of the piezoelectric fiber within the fabric, the researchers were able to develop a fabric loudspeaker that emits soundwaves to destructively interfere with unwanted noise. This innovation can significantly reduce sound volume and transmission in various settings, ultimately providing a new mechanism for creating quiet spaces with a thin sheet of fabric.
The study’s lead author, Grace (Noel) Yang, along with other collaborators from MIT and different universities, have made significant advancements in the field of sound suppression with their sound-suppressing silk fabric. By applying electrical signals to the fabric’s piezoelectric fiber, the researchers were able to control vibrations and generate soundwaves that cancel out unwanted noise. The fabric also has the ability to reflect sound when held still, effectively reducing the transmission of noise through it.
Future research efforts will focus on exploring the use of the fabric to block sounds of multiple frequencies, which may require complex signal processing and additional electronics. The team also plans to further investigate the fabric’s architecture and how adjusting factors like the number of piezoelectric fibers, sewing direction, and applied voltages could enhance its performance. By turning various “knobs” to control structural vibrations and suppress sound, the researchers aim to continue refining their sound-suppressing fabric for maximum effectiveness in creating quiet spaces.
This groundbreaking work is supported by funding from organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the Army Research Office, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. The interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from different institutions and expertise in various fields has been crucial to the success of this project. Moving forward, the team aims to advance their understanding of fabric technologies for sound suppression and continue developing innovative solutions to combat the issue of unwanted noise in our environment.
