Session: 01-03-01: General topics in vibrations and acoustics

Paper Number: 171920

Application of the Equivalent Fluid Model for Determining the Absorption Coefficient of Micro-Perforated Panels in Pickleball Noise Mitigation 

Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport, presents a unique noise challenge due to its sharp impact sounds, particularly concentrated around 1 kHz. To address community noise concerns, micro-perforated panels (MPPs) have emerged as a promising solution for mitigating the acoustic impact of pickleball courts. While the Johnson-Champoux-Allard (JCA) equivalent fluid model is well-established for porous materials, its practical application to MPPs, particularly in optimizing perforation positioning for targeted noise control, remains underexplored. This study is among the first to validate the JCA model for MPPs through both impedance tube measurements and full-scale 3D simulations, providing a practical framework for noise mitigation solutions in pickleball courts.

To validate the JCA-based absorption predictions, a two-stage experimental and simulation approach is employed. First, impedance tube measurements will validate the normal incidence absorption coefficient of fabricated MPP samples. These measurements will not only confirm the accuracy of the JCA model but also identify necessary parameter refinements, ensuring alignment between theoretical predictions and empirical data. Second, these refined parameters will be applied to a 3ft × 3ft × 3ft rigid-walled enclosure simulation, which will compare a baseline configuration with reflective walls against an enclosure lined with JCA-modeled MPP absorbers. A pickleball noise source (modeled at 1 kHz dominant frequency) will be introduced inside the box to analyze absorption effectiveness in terms of sound pressure level reduction and reverberation control. This simulation serves as a demonstration of the JCA approach in real-world conditions, bridging the gap between theoretical modeling and practical deployment.

Beyond computational efficiency, this study contributes to optimizing perforation positioning within MPP absorbers to enhance their sound absorption capabilities. Unlike conventional MPP models that assume uniform perforation distributions, this research employs parametric simulations to determine the optimal placement of perforations for maximizing noise attenuation in pickleball courts. By integrating this design optimization with a validated JCA framework, this approach offers a scalable and scientifically optimized alternative to large, obtrusive noise barriers.

A key advantage of using the JCA model in MPP simulations is the significant reduction in computational cost compared to traditional finite element modeling (FEM). Explicitly modeling perforated geometries in FEM requires fine mesh discretization, particularly at the perforation edges, leading to high computational demands. In contrast, the JCA approach treats the MPP as an effective medium with homogenized acoustic properties, allowing for coarser meshing without sacrificing accuracy. This simplification leads to shorter computation times and reduced memory requirements, making large-scale parametric studies feasible. The improved efficiency enables rapid testing of multiple perforation configurations, accelerating the development of optimized noise mitigation solutions tailored to real-world pickleball court applications.

The findings from this study provide a practical framework for integrating JCA-modeled MPPs into recreational facility design. The validated optimization approach can be adopted by acoustic engineers, municipal planners, and manufacturers developing next-generation absorptive noise barriers. Furthermore, the JCA-based methodology is adaptable to other impact noise mitigation applications, including tennis courts, shooting ranges, and industrial facilities. By combining theoretical modeling with empirical validation, this research lays the foundation for scalable, cost-effective, and community-friendly noise control solutions.

Presenting Author: Haijin Liu Temple University

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Haijun Liu is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Temple University.

Authors:

Subhrodeep Ray Temple University
Haijin Liu Temple University