The Hohenstein Institute — a Germany-based textile research and testing laboratory with offices worldwide — has partnered with technical textiles manufacturer Rökona Textilwerk GmbH and Reutlingen University, both based in Germany, to develop new methods for measuring the acoustic properties of textiles used in industrial, automotive and construction applications as well as in hunting and military gear and apparel.

According to Hohenstein, the new testing procedures will enable manufacturers to cost-effectively test fabrics in a range of conditions to determine both sound-absorption and noise-generating properties. Testers and product designers may analyze the data obtained to specify the cause of undesired noise and facilitate product design optimization prior to production.

"Textiles are used extensively to protect people from sound waves which can damage hearing or distract people during concentration-intense activities such as in industrial, automotive, and military settings," said Dr. Jan Beringer, Hohenstein Institute, who headed the research efforts. "However, quantifying the noise that the textiles themselves generate is equally important, especially in applications where unwanted noise can hinder success. We now have a cost-effective method for measuring both factors."

August 28, 2012