Metamaterial Blocks Sound but Allows Air

Mar-12-19 An innovative metamaterial able to block sound waves while allowing air through could have applications in airplanes and MRI machines.

Developed by a team from Boston University, the 3D-printed ring of metamaterial is designed to block up to 94 percent of sound waves without interrupting air flow. The outer ring of the device coils in a helical pattern that interferes with sound waves to reflect them back the way they came—away from the open center of the device. According to the team, the shape of the silencing metamaterial is customizable, and could even be scaled to block the noise of an MRI machine.

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[FASTCOMPANY.COM]

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