Vibro-Acoustic Properties of Auxetic Open Cell Foam: Model and Experimental Results

The combined mechanical and acoustic properties of auxetic (negative Poisson's ratio) foams are described both from a numerical and experimental point of view. Samples of open cell PU-PE foams with negative Poisson's ratio are produced using a dedicated manufacturing process, and subjected to tensile quasi static and cyclic loading, as well as sound absorption measurements based on ISO 10-534-2 Standard. A homogenization model based on the Biot's theory is also derived to calculate the poroelastic parameters of the foam. The experimental and numerical results are compared and commented to provide explanations regarding the unusual acoustic absorption of these porous materials.