Bauzer Medeiros E., Rodrigues E.

A large number of engineering applications employ panels which should hopefully perform reasonably well as thermal, acoustic and structural elements. However it is also common to observe that the efficiency of these panels has been compromised for the lack of an integrated design approach, involving thermal, acoustic and structural considerations. The present work shows how acoustic and thermal considerations can be considered simultaneously in order to obtain a better efficiency and reduced costs. The problem has been modelled considering a typical panel which is intended to provide both acoustic and thermal insulation. Sound and temperature profiles have also been evaluated using finite element analysis which also uses actual (real) parameters of a typical panel used in engineering (mainly building) applications. Thermal and acoustic conditions are considered for a variety of situations which reflect those often found in real applications. Simplified structural and vibrational considerations have been also taken into account. Finally, the results are used to show how an integrated method can be advantageously used to produce more efficient panels.