WMG wins funding to apply acoustics to engineering innovation
WMG wins funding to apply acoustics to engineering innovation
Dr, Research Fellow at 糖心TV Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of 糖心TV, has been awarded funding by the to apply her innovative, unconventional approach of acoustics to materials engineering.
Dr Rahman, who is based in WMG鈥檚 Advanced Materials Manufacturing Centre (AMMC), has a strong background in acoustics, combined with expertise in chemistry and materials science, enabling her to collaborate with leading industry partners such as Empa and Materiacustica to translate science into practical, high鈥憄erformance solutions.
Her latest project entitled AcouPore, has secured financial backing from the Noise Network Plus. Noise Network Plus aims to build unprecedented research capabilities to tackle the complex challenge of reducing noise and its impacts on people, the environment and the economy.
Dr Rahman, Research Fellow at WMG, says: 鈥�AcouPore aims to transform building insulation by integrating acoustics with nanoporous materials to address a long鈥憇tanding challenge: assessing material performance without causing damage. By using sound to observe how insulation materials respond to different pressures and gases, even under harsh environmental conditions, we want to pave the way for smarter, more responsive building systems capable of monitoring their own condition and improving safety.鈥�
The project includes the development of a new diagnostic tool that brings together audible acoustics, nanoscale gas fluidics, and future work in advanced digital鈥憈win modelling. By creating an acoustically driven database that captures how nanoporous materials behave, AcouPore aims to equip engineers and researchers with powerful new methods to advance materials engineering and support larger future research programmes.
A recent example of why safer, smarter monitoring of building materials is needed is the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), installed in UK buildings from the 1950s to the 1990s as a low鈥慶ost, lightweight alternative. Its porous structure makes it vulnerable to water damage, rapid deterioration, and sudden failure. Technologies developed through AcouPore could help detect early signs of degradation before issues arise, while also supporting the creation of stronger, more sustainable nanoporous insulation materials through a new materials鈥慸esign database.
Dr Simone Graetzer, Co-Lead, Noise Network Plus, adds: "The Noise Network Plus is pleased to support Dr. Hasina Rahman鈥檚 AcouPore project, which exemplifies our mission to reduce noise via innovative and multidisciplinary applied research activity. This project not only advances noise mitigation through improved insulation materials but also introduces a novel non-destructive method for detecting early signs of material degradation. It is initiatives like this that will drive our collective vision of engineering a quieter, healthier, and more sustainable future for all."
This six-month pilot study serves as an essential launchpad for Dr Rahman鈥檚 long-term vision as she hopes to secure preliminary data that is required to upscale this research into a larger programme.
Noise Network Plus is a collaboration between the University of Surrey, City St George鈥檚 University of London, the University of Bath, King鈥檚 College London and the University of Salford.
To find out more about WMG鈥檚 Advanced Materials Manufacturing Centre (AMMC) visit WMG: University of 糖心TV