Short answer

Integrate thin, acoustically engineered metamaterials into existing or new component designs, such as deflector plates, to proactively manage noise in high-density equipment environments.

Field: Human Factors
Source: Applied Acoustics (2023)
Method: Experimental comparison
Evidence: Strong effect

Implementing a thin, 15mm acoustic metamaterial liner in server rack deflector plates can significantly reduce fan noise, improving workplace safety and potentially extending the time before hearing damage occurs. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Applied Acoustics. Using Experimental comparison, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate thin, acoustically engineered metamaterials into existing or new component designs, such as deflector plates, to proactively manage noise in high-density equipment environments.

Study

Human FactorsRecentStrong effect

15mm Acoustic Liner Reduces Server Rack Noise by 43.9%, Extending Hearing Safety

Applied Acoustics · 2023

Key Findings

01A relative overall decrease of 2.5 dBA in sound emissions was achieved with the SeMSA deflector plate liner.
02This 2.5 dBA reduction corresponds to a 43.9% decrease in overall sound emissions.
03A 3 dBA drop was observed at the blade passing frequency of 620 Hz.
04The SeMSA liner achieved these reductions with a material thickness of only 15 mm.

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate thin, acoustically engineered metamaterials into existing or new component designs, such as deflector plates, to proactively manage noise in high-density equipment environments.

How to apply

Consider retrofitting or designing new server rack components with thin acoustic liners, specifically targeting the dominant noise frequencies of the cooling fans.

Project actions

01When designing enclosures for noisy equipment, consider the acoustic properties of internal components.
02Research advanced materials like metamaterials for targeted noise reduction solutions.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the effectiveness of a novel acoustic metamaterial liner in reducing axial fan noise within IT server racks.

MethodExperimental comparison

ProcedureA custom-built fan sound power rig was used to test a server rack deflector plate embedded with a 15mm Segmented Membrane Sound Absorber (SeMSA) acoustic metamaterial liner. The rig was placed in a hemi-anechoic chamber, and noise levels were measured and compared against a hardwall case and a PU foam liner. The SeMSA was designed using an equivalent circuit model to target the fan's frequency spectrum.

ContextData center equipment and acoustics

Variables

IVType of acoustic liner (SeMSA, PU foam, hardwall)

DVOverall sound power level (dBA), sound level at blade passing frequency (dBA)

CVFan speed, server rack configuration, ambient temperature, test environment (hemi-anechoic chamber)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Utilizes a novel acoustic metamaterial.
+Achieves significant noise reduction in a thin form factor.
+Compares against relevant benchmarks (hardwall, PU foam).

Limitations

The effectiveness of the metamaterial might be dependent on the specific fan's acoustic profile and the overall airflow dynamics of the rack.

Reliability & validity

The use of a hemi-anechoic chamber and a custom-built rig suggests good control over the testing environment, enhancing internal validity. The comparison against multiple conditions (hardwall, foam) adds to the robustness of the findings. Reliability would depend on the repeatability of measurements under identical conditions.

Think critically

How might the airflow dynamics within the server rack be affected by the addition of the acoustic liner, and could this impact cooling efficiency or fan performance?

Design Principles

"Employ advanced acoustic materials in critical airflow components to mitigate noise at the source, prioritizing occupant well-being and operational efficiency."

Data centers are increasingly noisy environments due to the high-performance fans required for cooling. This research offers a practical, space-efficient solution to mitigate noise pollution, directly impacting the health and well-being of personnel working in these environments and potentially reducing the need for costly, bulky soundproofing solutions.

What This Means for Your Design

By adding a special thin material to the inside of a server rack, we can make the loud fans much quieter, which is better for the people working nearby.

How to use in your project

1.Cite this research when discussing the importance of noise reduction in product design, particularly for electronic equipment or enclosed systems.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This study highlights the significant impact of acoustic design on human factors within technological environments. The successful application of a 15mm acoustic metamaterial liner in server racks, reducing noise by 43.9%, demonstrates a practical approach to mitigating occupational noise exposure. This research underscores the importance of considering advanced material solutions for noise control in enclosed systems, directly contributing to a safer and more comfortable working environment.

Source

Applied Acoustics

Fan-noise reduction of data centre telecommunications’ server racks, with an acoustic metamaterial broadband, low-frequency sound-absorbing liner

journal · 2023

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Questions About This Research

What does the research say about 15mm acoustic liner reduces server rack noise by 43.9%, extending hearing safety?: Integrate thin, acoustically engineered metamaterials into existing or new component designs, such as deflector plates, to proactively manage noise in high-density equipment environments. Evidence: Applied Acoustics (2023).
Why does "15mm Acoustic Liner Reduces Server Rack Noise by 43.9%, Extending Hearing Safety" matter for design?: Data centers are increasingly noisy environments due to the high-performance fans required for cooling. This research offers a practical, space-efficient solution to mitigate noise pollution, directly impacting the health and well-being of personnel working in these environments and potentially reducing the need for costly, bulky soundproofing solutions.
How can designers apply this research?: Integrate thin, acoustically engineered metamaterials into existing or new component designs, such as deflector plates, to proactively manage noise in high-density equipment environments.
What were the main findings?: A relative overall decrease of 2.5 dBA in sound emissions was achieved with the SeMSA deflector plate liner.. This 2.5 dBA reduction corresponds to a 43.9% decrease in overall sound emissions.. A 3 dBA drop was observed at the blade passing frequency of 620 Hz.. The SeMSA liner achieved these reductions with a material thickness of only 15 mm.
What research method was used?: Experimental comparison.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Applied Acoustics.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Consider retrofitting or designing new server rack components with thin acoustic liners, specifically targeting the dominant noise frequencies of the cooling fans.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on a specific fan type and rack configuration; performance may vary with different fan designs, rack layouts, or environmental acoustics. Long-term durability of the metamaterial in a data center environment was not assessed.