Incorporating Flax Fiber Composites in Hypercar Panels

Abstract: This thesis investigates sound transmission loss through flat finite panels using composite materials, which incorporate both carbon and flax fibres. The study wascarried out by performing FEM simulations developed and validated in steps. Thevalidation process was time-consuming but crucial in ensuring the model’s reliability.The analysis demonstrates the relationship between the panels’ mass, stiffness, andsound reduction effectiveness by studying the sound transmission loss for a flat plate.The results show how by adjusting the plate’s stiffness, thickness, and mass one cancontrol its reaction to the incoming sound. This allows resonance frequencies to beshifted away from critical points and avoids coincidence frequencies. By understanding the acoustic behavior of composite panels, this research contributes to improvingsoundproofing properties while preserving their mechanical advantages. In an era ofgrowing demand for better acoustic performance in the automotive industry, exploring innovative methods to optimize the sound transmission loss of composite panelsis essential.