Towards a Novel Acoustic Absorber Using a Magnetically Induced Geometric Nonlinearity in an Elastic Membrane

Research on Energy Pumping based on the idea of nonlinear energy sinks exploiting Targeted Energy Transfer (TET) between a linear system and a nonlinear attachment has been successfully applied in vibration control. . The same approach promise the development of a novel passive, broadband dissipative mechanism with many potential acoustic applications such as in spaces for music practice and reproduction. This paper introduces and outlines ongoing research into the potential usability of the TET as a sound absorption mechanism using elastic membranes Initial experimental investigations have shown potential as a sound absorber that has a narrow dynamic range Results on early experimental work will be presented on the geometric nonlinearity imposed upon an elastic membrane by means of an electromagnet