Engineers Create 15cm 3D-Printed Tree-Shaped Acoustic Device to Suppress Pipe Noise

Artificial Black Hole for Sound Absorption

According to НВ — Техно: A team from Ramon Llull University has unveiled an innovative 15-centimeter acoustic device shaped like a pine tree and produced using 3D printing technology. Led by Oriol Guasch and Jie Deng, the researchers designed this modular device to mimic the properties of a sound black hole, effectively absorbing echoes and noise reflections. This technology offers a promising solution to the common problem of loud noises generated by sound waves traveling through ventilation shafts, industrial air ducts, and water pipes.

Superior Noise Reduction Capabilities

The device features a central rod surrounded by 29 rings of varying diameters, enabling it to fit inside standard pipes. Unlike conventional soundproofing techniques that require structural modifications, this device demonstrates enhanced performance in minimizing sound reflection. Laboratory tests conducted in an impedance tube revealed its ability to slow down sound waves, shorten their wavelengths, and concentrate acoustic energy toward the end of its path.

This acoustic "black hole" dissipates sound energy by converting it into heat through friction and heat exchange between the air and the device’s material, allowing it to operate effectively across a wider frequency range than traditional solutions. However, before deployment in real-world settings, engineers need to ensure the device can withstand temperature fluctuations and contamination. The findings have been published in the journal Applied Acoustics, highlighting the scientific importance and innovative nature of this development.

Such a device holds significant potential for sectors where noise control and echo reduction are critical, including:

• Construction
• Industrial facilities
• Ventilation systems

As demand grows for quieter and more comfortable environments, breakthroughs like this acoustic absorber could become key to improving sound quality in both residential and professional spaces.