Impulse Response Analysis: An Alternative Method of Measuring Sound Insulation

This paper investigates the use of Impulse Response Analysis methods for measuring sound insulation, in particular for elements which provide low sound insulation, such as thin panels, barriers and open screens, where standard methods are inappropriate. A practical explanation of Impulse Response Analysis and its application is given, indicating, through studies on single panels as partitions and as screens, that such elements are amenable to this method of measurement.

Explanation of time history components and problems of signal capture are provided together with validation of the results by comparison with classical theory and, for screens, prediction taken from optical diffraction theory. Generally, agreement with theory is good and it is shown that the normal incidence impulse response data can be used with known empirical expressions to obtain the diffuse field transmission loss, so providing an indication of the expected performance in test laboratories and the field.