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Free Acoustic Tool by Don-Audio

Porous Absorber Calculator

Free porous absorber calculator by Don-Audio for estimating the frequency-dependent normal-incidence absorption coefficient of porous acoustic absorbers.

Adjust flow resistivity, absorber thickness, and optional air gap to model absorber performance using the Delany-Bazley-Miki approach. This web app is designed for acoustic treatment planning, absorber comparisons, and fast engineering estimates.

What this porous absorber calculator does

This acoustic calculator helps estimate the normal-incidence sound absorption coefficient of porous absorbers mounted in front of a rigid wall. You can change flow resistivity, absorber thickness, frequency range, and optional air gap to understand how a porous absorber behaves across the spectrum.

The calculator uses the Delany-Bazley-Miki model, a practical engineering method commonly applied to fibrous and porous sound-absorbing materials. It is useful for initial planning of broadband absorbers, bass treatment concepts, and acoustic material comparisons.

Inputs

Material
Frequency range
Reference data
Note: This model is a practical engineering approximation. For exact product data, impedance tube or reverberation chamber measurements remain the reference.
Material Reference Values in Pa·s/m²
WLG 035: 10000
WLG 040: 5000
WLG 045: 3000

Results

Peak α
At frequency
α at 125 Hz
α at 1000 Hz
Calculated porous absorber results by frequency
Frequency α Re(Zs/Z0) Im(Zs/Z0) |R|

FAQ about porous absorbers and acoustic calculation

What is flow resistivity?

Flow resistivity describes how strongly a porous material resists air movement. It is one of the key input values for estimating how acoustic absorbers perform at different frequencies.

Why does an air gap improve low-frequency absorption?

An air gap can improve low-frequency absorber performance by increasing the effective spacing between the absorber and the rigid boundary behind it. In many cases this helps move useful absorption lower in frequency.

Is this calculator suitable for official product specifications?

No. This calculator is intended as an engineering estimate and planning tool. For certified product specifications, laboratory measurements such as impedance tube testing or reverberation chamber testing should be used.